What kind of star is Regulus?
Regulus, catalogued as Alpha Leonis (α Leo), appears in the official constellation Leo. Its apparent visual magnitude is 1.35, while its estimated distance is about 79 light-years. Astronomers classify the object as B8 IVn. These labels describe temperature, luminosity class or system components; they should not be read as a claim that every naked-eye point is a single isolated star.
The coordinate pair RA 10h 08m 22.31s, Dec +11° 58′ 01.9″ fixes the object’s direction on the celestial sphere for the J2000 reference epoch. Right ascension works like celestial longitude measured in hours, while declination works like latitude north or south of the celestial equator. Proper motion and improved measurements can refine catalogue positions, but these coordinates are sufficiently precise for a finder chart or planetarium search.
The name Regulus
Latin for “little king” or “prince.” It is also historically known as Cor Leonis, the Lion’s Heart.
Modern professional catalogues retain identifiers such as the Bayer designation alongside a proper name. The International Astronomical Union standardizes which name belongs to which component—an important distinction for systems whose combined light looks like one star from Earth.
How to find Regulus
Find the Sickle of Leo, shaped like a reversed question mark. Regulus is the bright star at its base. Its position near the ecliptic makes lunar conjunctions and occultations particularly worthwhile.
Visible from most inhabited latitudes; especially prominent during northern late winter and spring. Visibility on a particular night still depends on latitude, season, time, horizon obstructions, weather and local light pollution. Use the interactive atlas below to check the surrounding field before observing.
Interesting facts about Regulus
- Regulus lies less than half a degree from the ecliptic, so the Moon and occasionally planets pass in front of it.
- Its hot primary rotates rapidly, producing an oblate star with a cooler equator and hotter poles.
- Regulus is a multiple system with a close faint companion and a more distant pair.
- It is Leo’s brightest star and marks the Lion’s heart.
- The star is easy to see from suburban locations without optical aid.
Sources and further reading
Measurements are rounded for readability. Multiple systems, variable stars and distant supergiants can have component-specific or model-dependent values.