Leo Minor constellation

Leo Minor is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lesser lion. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 24 February, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 53°S.

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Leo Minor at a glance

Represents
the lesser lion
Highest at midnight
24 February
Highest at 9 pm
10 April
Seen whole from
90°N to 53°S
Stars in the figure
4 stars
Origin
Johannes Hevelius, 1690

When to see Leo Minor

Leo Minor is highest in the sky at midnight around 24 February and at 9 pm around 10 April. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Leo Minor is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January2:40 AM
15 February12:40 AM
15 March10:40 PM
15 April8:40 PM
15 May6:40 PM
15 June4:40 PM
15 July2:40 PM
15 August12:40 PM
15 September10:40 AM
15 October8:40 AM
15 November6:40 AM
15 December4:40 AM

Where to look for Leo Minor

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Leo Minor rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 24 February, almost overhead.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Leo Minor rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 24 February, 19° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Leo Minor

None of the stars of Leo Minor is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 3.

Leo Minor in myth and history

The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Leo Minor in his star atlas of 1690.

Constellations next to Leo Minor

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Questions about Leo Minor