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 February 24, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 53°S.
Leo Minor at a glance
- Represents
- the lesser lion
- Highest at midnight
- February 24
- Highest at 9 pm
- April 10
- 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 February 24 and at 9 pm around April 10. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 2:40 a.m. |
| February 15 | 12:40 a.m. |
| March 15 | 10:40 p.m. |
| April 15 | 8:40 p.m. |
| May 15 | 6:40 p.m. |
| June 15 | 4:40 p.m. |
| July 15 | 2:40 p.m. |
| August 15 | 12:40 p.m. |
| September 15 | 10:40 a.m. |
| October 15 | 8:40 a.m. |
| November 15 | 6:40 a.m. |
| December 15 | 4:40 a.m. |
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 February 24, 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 February 24, 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
Find Leo Minor in your sky
Questions about Leo Minor
Leo Minor is highest in the sky at midnight around February 24 and at 9 pm around April 10. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Leo Minor rises above the horizon from 90°N to 53°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 56°S.
Leo Minor represents the lesser lion. The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Leo Minor in his star atlas of 1690.