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Star profile

Beta Leonis Minoris

3D likeness based on its real data · class G · ~5,500 K

What is Beta Leonis Minoris

β Leonis Minoris is the brightest star of the Lesser Lion, a constellation invented by Hevelius in 1687. A G-type binary system some 154 light-years away, she carries a companion revealed by the wobbles of the primary. Though her constellation is modest and seldom named, she is its only star with a Bayer designation.

Where it is and when to see it

Beta Leonis Minoris lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is February, when it culminates around midnight.

  • From London it culminates about 75° above the horizon.
  • From New York it culminates about 86° above the horizon.
  • From Sydney it culminates about 19° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 53° S.

It ranks no. 2 in brightness among the 22 stars of Leo Minor in our catalogue. To find it, start from Praecipua, the brightest: it lies about 6° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 150 years ago.

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Astronomical data for Beta Leonis Minoris

Constellation
Leo Minor
Apparent magnitude
4.20
Distance
153.9 light years
Coordinates (J2000)
RA 156.971° · Dec 36.707°
Catalogue
HIP 51233 · HD 90537

A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.

Other stars in Leo Minor

Leo Minor has 22 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 22 stars in Leo Minor