When is the best time to observe Ras Elased Australis?

Ras Elased Australis is best observed from January through March, with peak visibility during February when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Ras Elased Australis located in the sky?

Ras Elased Australis lies in the constellation Leo at right ascension 09h 46m and declination +23° 46′.

What telescope do I need to see Ras Elased Australis?

At magnitude 3.0, Ras Elased Australis is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Ras Elased Australis — Star in Leo

HIP 47908; Epsilon Leonis; 17 Leonis

Magnitude 3.0^m Star Leo Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Ras Elased Australis

Description

Ras Elased Australis (also called Algenubi) is a yellow giant of spectral type G1II at magnitude 2.98 in the constellation Leo. Located about 247 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity roughly 360 times solar. It marks the mouth or the southern part of the Lion's head in the Sickle asterism of Leo.

Observing Tips

Epsilon Leo lies at the southern end of the Sickle of Leo (the reversed question mark shape that forms the Lion's head and mane), with Regulus at the base. It appears as a warm yellowish star. Best observed from February through June when Leo is prominent in the evening sky. The Sickle is one of the easier asterisms to identify.

History

The name Ras Elased Australis comes from Arabic meaning 'the southern (star of the) lion's head.' The alternate name Algenubi derives from Arabic 'al-janubi,' meaning 'the southern one,' distinguishing it from the more northerly Mu Leonis (Ras Elased Borealis). The Sickle of Leo has been recognized as the Lion's head since Babylonian times.

Fun Facts

Epsilon Leo is one of several stars in Leo with long Arabic names that describe their position in the constellation figure. The Sickle asterism it belongs to is a favorite target for beginners because its distinctive reversed question-mark shape is easy to spot.