Lepus (constellation)

Lepus (Latin for Hare) is a constellation, lying just south of Orion, and possibly representing a hare being chased by him. Lepus was one of Ptolemy's 48 constellations, and counts also among the 88 modern constellations.

This constellation should not be confused with Lupus.

Mythology

Although Lepus is an old constellation, it has little mythology associated with it, apart from a possible incidental role in the Orion myth where it was placed in the sky for the great hunter to chase.

Stars

Stars with proper names

(α Lep) 2.58 Arneb

< أرنب ´arnab Hare

(β Lep) 2.81 Nihal ^*

< نهال nihāl (Camels) quenching their thirst

R Lep Hind's Crimson Star – variable 5.5 - 11.7

Stars with Bayer designations

γ Lep – double 3.59, 6.15; δ Lep 3.76; ε Lep 3.19; ζ Lep 3.55 – has possible asteroid belt; θ Lep 4.67; η Lep 3.71; ι Lep 4.45; κ Lep 4.36; λ Lep 4.29; μ Lep 3.29; ν Lep 5.29

Stars with Flamsteed designations

1 Lep 5.74; 9 Lep 5.25; 10 Lep 5.53; 12 Lep 5.88; 17 Lep 4.92; 19 Lep 5.28

Other notable stars

Gliese 229 8.14 – Gliese 229B, brown dwarf companion star; nearby

External links

The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Lepus

Lepus constellation