The Constellation Directory

Lepus

"The Hare"

Lepus

By IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Abbreviation: Lep
Genitive: Leporis
Constellation family: Orion
Nearest constellations: Caelum, Canis Major, Columba, Eridanus, Monoceros, and Orion
Right ascension: 5.58h
Declination: -19.32°
Visible between latitudes: +60° and -90°
Square degrees: 290
Luminary: Arneb (Alpha Leporis)
Named stars: Arneb, Nihal
Notable deep sky objects: M79

About

Lepus is a small constellation in the Southern Hemisphere located at the feet of Orion. It is best seen in February.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Lepus is usually considered one of the animals Orion hunts with this dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor.