Regulus
star · Leo · 1.4ᵐ
The “heart of the lion” lies almost exactly on the ecliptic, so the Moon regularly occults it.
Notable facts
The light you see today left Regulus around the year 1947.
About 72 times brighter than the faintest star visible to the naked eye.
In brief
Which constellation is Regulus in?
Regulus lies in Leo.
Is Regulus visible to the naked eye?
1.4ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Regulus?
Best observed in February.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 10h 08m · +11° 58′
- Type
- star
- Constellation
- Leo
- How to observe
- 1.4ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Spectral class
- B7V — blue-white star
- Absolute magnitude
- -0.6ᵐ
- Luminosity
- ≈145 × the Sun
- Distance
- ~79 light years
- Designation
- HIP 49669
Observing tip
Stars stay points at any magnification: aim your telescope for colour, brightness and companions, not detail.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 42° | 65° |
| +55° | 47° | 69° |
| +45° | 57° | 73° |
| +30° | 72° | 76° |
| 0° | 78° | 78° |
| −35° | 43° | 75° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 02:23 |
| February | 00:16 |
| March | 22:30 |
| April | 20:37 |
| May | 18:43 |
| June | 16:36 |
| July | 14:33 |
| August | 12:32 |
| September | 10:38 |
| October | 08:50 |
| November | 06:49 |
| December | 04:40 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.