Leo is a large equatorial constellation which represents a lion. It appears highest in the midnight sky in the months around February. Its brightest star, Regulus lies very close to the ecliptic, the path that the Sun traces across the sky each year.
His huge head is identified by an asterism of stars, known as the Sickle ( 2 ). An asterism is a collection of stars within a larger constellation that form a pattern. They are usually easily identified and help star-gazers to create a bigger picture. The Sickle forms the head of the Lion and looks very much like a question mark.
What is the origin of the constellation Leo the Lion?
The Persians knew the constellation as Shir or Ser ( 17 ). The ancient Egyptians also knew of Leo the Lion. They worshipped the Lion as the place where the Sun rose after creation. Its appearance in the night sky coincided with the flooding of the Nile river and the summer solstice.
What does the Leo constellation look like?
The Constellation Leo is a large lion, crouching in the sky with his foot raised, ready to pounce on any creature that comes close to him! In the northern hemisphere, the Lion stands upright. His huge head is identified by an asterism of stars, known as the Sickle (2).
The Leo Constellation is a well-known constellation and a favorite of amateur astronomers. It features a number of bright stars, including Regulus. Leo the Lion stands proudly in the sky and has a fascinating story with roots in Greek mythology. You can observe Leo in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
What constellation looks like a scorpion?
Constellation Ordering: Scorpius is first on the list of constellations that look like a scorpion. It is ranked highest; those below it are also arachnids in some way. Capricornus, which looks like a goat, is next in line.
To the Yolgnu people of east Arnhem Land, the constellation is associated with both a crocodile and a scorpion. When the crocodile appears in the July sky, it is a sign that the Macassan traders will soon arrive.
What does the constellation Scorpius look like?
Scorpius, via Constellation of Words. Scorpius the Scorpion – the southernmost constellation of the Zodiac – is a major showpiece of the starry sky. This J-shaped assemblage of stars actually looks like its namesake.
One of the next things we wondered was, what is the story behind the constellation Scorpius and Orion?
In Greek mythology, the constellation Scorpius was identified with the scorpion that stung Orion, the mythical hunter. The two constellations lie opposite each other in the sky, and Orion is said to be fleeing from the scorpion as it sets just as Scorpius rises.
Scorpius has a distinctive shape and thus is fairly easy to spot. Simply look for an S-shaped pattern of stars between the constellations Libra (the scales) and Sagittarius, and below another constellation called Ophiuchus. Scorpius has long been recognized as a constellation.