Lepus is a small constellation located in the southern sky, directly beneath the more prominent constellation Orion. It represents a hare or rabbit and is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy. Lepus is not a particularly bright constellation, but it is easily identifiable due to its proximity to Orion.
Key Features
Lepus is bordered by the constellations Orion, Eridanus, Columba, and Caelum. It covers an area of 290 square degrees, ranking it 51st in size among the 88 modern constellations. The constellation is best known for its resemblance to a leaping hare and its position beneath Orion's feet.
Lepus contains several interesting deep-sky objects, including:
- M79 (NGC 1904): A globular cluster located about 42,000 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the few globular clusters visible from the Northern Hemisphere in winter.
- Hind's Crimson Star (R Leporis): A famous carbon star, known for its deep red color and irregular variability. Its color can be strikingly red, especially during its dimming phase.
Mythology
In mythology, Lepus is often associated with the hunter Orion. According to one legend, the hare is being chased by Orion's hunting dogs, represented by the nearby constellations Canis Major and Canis Minor. The hare's presence under Orion's feet suggests the hunter is perpetually on its trail.
In another interpretation, Lepus may have represented a hare sacred to the Egyptian gods. Some ancient cultures viewed the constellation as a symbol of fertility and renewal, linking it with the cyclical nature of the seasons.
Notable Stars
Lepus contains several notable stars, including:
- Arneb (Alpha Leporis): The brightest star in the constellation, Arneb is a white supergiant with a magnitude of 2.58. It is located approximately 2,200 light-years from Earth.
- Nihal (Beta Leporis): A giant star with a magnitude of 2.84, Nihal is the second-brightest star in Lepus. It is about 159 light-years away from Earth.
- Gamma Leporis: A binary star system located about 29 light-years away. It consists of a yellow dwarf star and an orange subgiant.
Visibility
Lepus is best observed during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in December and January. The constellation is visible between latitudes 63°N and 90°S, making it accessible from most parts of the world.
Tips for Observing
To locate Lepus, start by finding the prominent constellation Orion. Look directly below Orion’s feet, and you will find the relatively faint constellation of Lepus. A dark sky is helpful for observing Lepus, as many of its stars are not particularly bright.
For those interested in deep-sky observing, M79 is an excellent target. A small telescope or good binoculars will reveal this globular cluster as a faint, fuzzy object. Hind's Crimson Star can be observed with a small telescope, particularly when it is near its dimming phase, where its red color becomes more pronounced.