Lepus (constellation)

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Lepus
Constellation
Lepus
AbbreviationLep
GenitiveLeporis
Pronunciation/ˈlpəs/, or colloquially /ˈlɛpəs/; genitive /ˈlɛpərɪs/
Symbolismthe Hare
Right ascension6
Declination−20
QuadrantNQ2
Area290 sq. deg. (51st)
Main stars8
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
20
Stars with planets3
Stars brighter than 3.00m2
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)3
Brightest starα Lep (Arneb) (2.58m)
Messier objects1
Meteor showersNone
Bordering
constellations
Orion
Monoceros
Canis Major
Columba
Caelum
Eridanus
Visible at latitudes between +63° and −90°.
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of January.

Lepus is a constellation south of the celestial equator. Its name is Latin for hare. The hare is not from any figure in Greek mythology. Lepus was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. It is one of the 88 modern constellations. It is below the constellation Orion (the hunter). It is known as a hare being chased by Orion.[1]

This constellation should not be mixed up with Lupus, the wolf.

Notable features[change | change source]

The constellation Lepus as it can be seen by the naked eye.

Deep-sky objects[change | change source]

References[change | change source]

  1. "Skys & Telescope: March 2008", Southern Hemisphere Highlights: by Shermend

Further reading[change | change source]

  • Allen, R. H. (1899). Star-names and Their Meanings. New York: G. E. Stechart.
  • Kunitzsch, P.; Smart T. (2006). A Dictionary of Modern Star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations. Cambridge (USA): Sky Publishing Corp.
  • Levy, David H. (2005). Deep Sky Objects. Prometheus Books. ISBN 1-59102-361-0.
  • Ridpath, Ian; Tirion, Wil (2001), Stars and Planets Guide, Princeton University Press, ISBN 0-691-08913-2
  • Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0-00-725120-9. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0-691-13556-4.

Other websites[change | change source]

The star T Leporis as seen with VLTI.
Credit: ESO/J.-B. Le Bouquin et al.