When is the best time to observe Epsilon Leporis?

Epsilon Leporis is best observed from November through January, with peak visibility during December when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Epsilon Leporis located in the sky?

Epsilon Leporis lies in the constellation Lepus at right ascension 05h 05m and declination -22° 22′.

What telescope do I need to see Epsilon Leporis?

At magnitude 3.2, Epsilon Leporis is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Epsilon Leporis — Star in Lepus

Magnitude 3.2^m Star Lepus (Lep) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Epsilon Lep

Description

Epsilon Leporis is an orange giant of spectral type K5III at magnitude 3.19 in Lepus (the Hare). Located about 213 light-years from Earth, it has a surface temperature of only about 3,900 K and a strong orange-red color. It is one of the cooler bright stars in this region of the sky.

Observing Tips

Epsilon Lep lies in the small constellation Lepus, just below Orion. Lepus is easily found as a group of moderately bright stars directly beneath Orion's feet. Epsilon Lep appears distinctly orange in binoculars. Best observed from December through March when Orion and Lepus are high in the evening sky.

History

Epsilon Leporis has no traditional proper name. Lepus is one of the 48 Ptolemaic constellations and has been recognized as a hare since Greek and Roman times. Mythologically, the Hare was placed at Orion's feet because the great hunter was fond of hunting hares.

Fun Facts

Lepus contains the famous Crimson Star (R Leporis), one of the reddest stars visible in a telescope. While Epsilon Lep is much brighter and less dramatically red, it is the best naked-eye example of Lepus's trend toward warm-colored stars.