Sickle of Leo
The Sickle of Leo is an asterism, a star pattern that is not one of the 88 official constellations, made of six stars in Leo. Its brightest star is Regulus (magnitude 1.35), and it is best seen in the evening in April.
Free to use with credit: Atlas of the Sky (constellationmap.org), CC BY 4.0 · More
Embed this image on your website
How to use it
The Sickle looks like a backward question mark with Regulus as its dot; it marks the head and mane of the lion.
How to find the Sickle of Leo
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) it is highest in the south, about 70° above the horizon, in April evenings. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it reaches about 35° in the north.
Stars of the Sickle of Leo
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Distance | Constellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulus | α Leonis | 1.35 | 77 ly | Leo |
| Algieba | γ1 Leonis | 2.61 | 126 ly | Leo |
| — | ε Leonis | 2.98 | — | Leo |
| Adhafera | ζ Leonis | 3.44 | 239 ly | Leo |
| — | η Leonis | 3.52 | — | Leo |
| Rasalas | μ Leonis | 3.88 | 124 ly | Leo |
Questions about the Sickle of Leo
Is the Sickle of Leo a constellation?
No. The Sickle of Leo is an asterism: its stars belong to the constellation Leo, one of the 88 constellations defined by the International Astronomical Union.
What is the brightest star of the Sickle of Leo?
Regulus, with an apparent magnitude of 1.35, about 77 light-years away.
When can I see the Sickle of Leo?
It is highest in the evening sky in April.
Other asterisms
Big DipperUrsa Major
Little DipperUrsa Minor
Orion's BeltOrion
Summer TriangleLyra, Aquila and Cygnus
Winter TriangleCanis Major, Canis Minor and Orion
Winter HexagonCanis Major, Auriga, Orion, Canis Minor, Taurus and Gemini
Great Square of PegasusAndromeda and Pegasus
TeapotSagittarius
Northern CrossCygnus
Spring TriangleBoötes, Virgo and Leo
KeystoneHercules
False CrossCarina and Vela
Southern PointersCentaurus