Leo constellation
Leo is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lion. It is highest in the sky at midnight around March 1, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 64°S.
When to see Leo
Leo is highest in the sky at midnight around March 1 and at 9 pm around April 14. 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.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 3:00 AM |
| February 15 | 12:50 AM |
| March 15 | 11:00 PM |
| April 15 | 9:00 PM |
| May 15 | 7:00 PM |
| June 15 | 5:00 PM |
| July 15 | 3:00 PM |
| August 15 | 1:00 PM |
| September 15 | 11:00 AM |
| October 15 | 9:00 AM |
| November 15 | 7:00 AM |
| December 15 | 5:00 AM |
Where to look for Leo
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Leo rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on March 1, 69° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Leo rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on March 1, 36° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Leo
Meteor showers from Leo
The meteors of these showers seem to come from a point in Leo, called the radiant.
| Shower | Peak | Zenithal hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Leonids | Around November 18 | 15 |
Leo in myth and history
In Greek myth, the lion is the Nemean lion, which Heracles killed as the first of his twelve labours.
Leo is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Leo and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Leo from August 11 to September 17. The zodiac sign Leo covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Leo
Find Leo in your sky
Questions about Leo
Leo is highest in the sky at midnight around March 1 and at 9 pm around April 14. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Leo rises above the horizon from 90°N to 64°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 78°S.
Regulus is the brightest star in Leo, at magnitude 1.36.
Leo represents the lion. Leo is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Leo from August 11 to September 17 in 2026, and the zodiac sign Leo is named after it.