Leo Constellation – Characteristics and curiosities – My Sky Map

The constellation Leo is one of the constellations of the Zodiac, cataloged many years ago and which denotes great importance among ancient people. With bright and expressive stars, it is found in the Earth’s equatorial zone.

Therefore, there is not much difficulty in locating it, both due to the size it occupies and the magnitude of its stars. In fact, it is the 12th largest constellation of the 88 cataloged and the third largest Zodiac.

Mainly in parts of Asia, its association was direct with the Sun, as its appearance in the region indicated the summer solstice.

At the same time, the story most commonly associated with the Constellation Leo is one of the most interesting. In fact, it is directly associated with strength and power, which is also related to our star king.

Where is the Constellation Leo?

The star cluster is located between the Constellation of Cancer and the Constellation of Virgo.

Also around it are the Constellations of Hydra, Sextant, Cup, Leo Minor and also Ursa Major, with some of its stars even pointing in the direction of the Constellation of Leo.

To locate, you can use the same star that ancient people used in the past, that is: Regulus. Or, use one of the many astronomy apps to find the cluster even more easily.

Stars of the Constellation Leo

The nomenclatures associated with the set derive from Leonis. The brightest star in the constellation is Regulus (Alpha Leonis), which is a multiple system.

Likewise, it is well known that Gamma Leonis (a double star with a yellowish-orange appearance, with magnitudes 2 and 3) and R Leonis (close to Regulus, with magnitudes varying between 5.9 and 11).

Remembering that the lower the apparent magnitude, the brighter the star – the Sun is -26.72 and the brightest star of all the constellations in our sky is Sirius (Canis Major), with -1.46.

Other relevant objects are the spiral galaxies M65, M66 (observable with telescopes) and NGC 3628.

The Constellation of Leo in Greek Mythology

The myth related to the constellation is about one of the 12 labors of the hero Hercules, which were created by the vengeful goddess Hera (married and wife of Zeus).

There was a fearsome beast in the city of Nemea, a lion with such tough skin. Not even metals like silver or bronze could pierce! It ravaged the region, and none of the inhabitants or hunters could escape the destruction it caused.

So, they call on the hero to eliminate it and after days of frustrated attempts and hand-to-hand fighting, he manages to corner the beast, disorient it with his club and finally suffocate it.

Therefore, the lion resists bravely until the end and because of its courage, it is taken to the heavens, forming the Constellation of Leo.

Other stories from Zodiac Constellations also show classic characteristics of natives of other signs.

Leo sign and the importance of the stars in Astrology

Since the group is one of the Constellations of the Zodiac, this shows that it is part of the Ecliptic.

That is, the Sun passes through the area of ​​the constellation at certain times of the year. According to Astrology, this means that people who were born in that same period have similar characteristics.

Thus, anyone born during the period in which the Sun shines in this area (between July 22nd and August 22nd, varying slightly according to each year) is a native of the Sign of Leo, which is the fifth of the Zodiac.

They are people who have generosity, vanity and pride in common. Furthermore, the star that actually governs them is the Sun, which also gives them a lot of exuberance and vitality.

Gift of stars

For everyone who loves astrology or astronomy and enjoyed the information about the Leo Constellation, we also have a great suggestion for a creative gift, which has everything to do with the theme!

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Detail on the constellations and Milky Way on the My Sky Map

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In addition to this option, there are also other wonderful versions of items that we make on a scientific basis and that bring all the splendor of the cosmos closer to you:

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