Lepus Constellation Myths and Facts

Lepus: The Hare

Pronunciation: LEEP-us
Lepus, The Hare
Lepus as depicted by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria (1624). Source image provided by www.RareMaps.com — Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.
Lepus Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Lep Genitive: Leporis
Origin: Ancient Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Winter Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Orion, Eridanus, Caelum, Columba, Canis Major, Monoceros

The Myth Behind the Constellation Lepus

Lepus, “The Hare”, is said to have been placed in the sky by Hermes because of its swiftness.  The hare is also said to be the favorite prey off Orion, the Hunter, and his dogs.

Lepus Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting Objects in the Constellation Lepus
Name Messier NGC Type Visibility
M79 NGC 1904 Globular Cluster Binoculars

Bright Stars in Lepus

These are the stars in Lepus with a minimum magnitude of 3.0.
Name Bayer Name Magnitude Color Luminosity Distance
Arneb Alpha Leporis 2.58  Yellow-White 13,561 suns 1305 ly
Nihal Beta Leporis 2.81  Yellow 191 suns 159 ly