Regulus
Also known as α Leo · HR 3982
Regulus is a high proper motion star in the constellation Leo, about 77 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | High proper motion star (spectral type B8IVn) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Leo |
| Position (J2000) | 10h 08m 22s, +11° 58′ |
| Distance | 77 light-years (its light set off about 77 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 1.4 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 895 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Regulus is highest in the sky at midnight in February. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 82° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 52°. To see it you need the naked eye, even from a town.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Leo
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits