Regulus
Product information
Description
Regulus shines with a crisp bluish-white hue at the base of the sickle-shaped 'head' of Leo. Its striking brilliance and royal history make it a standout feature in the spring night sky.
Additional Information
- Constellation
- Leo
- Spectral Type
- B8IVn
- Apparent Magnitude
- 1.35
- Distance (Light Years)
- 79
- Right Ascension
- 10h 08m 22.3s
- Declination
- +11° 58′ 02″
- Solar Masses
- 3.8
- Radius (Solar)
- 3.9
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- 12460
- Age (Million Years)
- 150
Discovery
- Ancient Civilizations
- Babylonians, Greeks, Arabs
- Historical Significance
- Regulus has been revered since ancient times as the 'Heart of the Lion' in the constellation Leo. Its name means 'little king' in Latin, reflecting its symbolic connection to royalty and rulership across many civilizations.
Cultural Significance
- Mythology
- In Babylonian astronomy, Regulus was known as the 'King Star' and associated with the lion. In Greek mythology, it represented the lion slain by Hercules as part of his Twelve Labors. Its Latin name 'Regulus' reflects its royal status in the sky.
- Navigation
- Regulus lies almost directly on the ecliptic, making it a key reference point for ancient navigation and for tracking the path of the Sun, Moon, and planets.
- Modern Reference
- Regulus continues to be a focal point in stargazing guides and astrophotography due to its brightness, location in Leo, and proximity to the ecliptic.
Notable Features
- Stellar Motion
- Regulus has a measurable proper motion and is relatively close to Earth, making it one of the best-studied bright stars.
- Additional Fact
- Regulus is actually a four-star system, with its main component rotating so fast that it is noticeably flattened at the poles. It completes one rotation in just 16 hours — one of the fastest among massive stars.
User Dedications
- Dedications
- This star has not been claimed yet. Be the first to dedicate it to someone special!