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Facts[]

  • Leo is the 12th largest constellation in the sky, and it extends approximately 947 square. Keep reading for more interesting facts perfect for kids. Leo constellation is one of the youngest recognized constellations. It is also known as the "lion" constellation, and it is located in the northern celestial hemisphere.
  • Leo star constellation is one of the first forty-eight constellations catalogued by Ptolemy in 150 B.C.
  • Leo is an easily recognizable constellation, as it is one of the few constellations that resemble its namesake. It is fairly easy to find because the "pointer stars" of the Big Dipper point to Leo.

Myths[]

In Greek mythology, Leo is the Nemean Lion, which terrorized the citizens and had a hide that could not punctured by iron, bronze or stone. Killing the lion was one of Hercules' 12 labors, which he had to perform as penance for killing his family. Having broken all of his weapons fighting the man-eating lion, Hercules finally strangled it to death and placed it in the heavens as one of his conquests.

Leo, the Lion, is the fifth sign of the Zodiac, and another of the animals encountered by Heracles during his 12 Labors, with Leo representing the Nemean Lion. Residing in Nemea, the Nemean Lion was a creature that killed all those unlucky to cross its path. With a skin that could not be penetrated by mortal weapons, and claws that could rip open armor, the Nemean Lion had killed all those who sought to kill it.

The slaying of the Nemean Lion was the first Labor given to Heracles by King Eurystheus, with Eurystheus believing that Heracles would perish, just as all others had done. When Heracles realized that his weapons could not kill the Nemean Lion, the Greek hero instead wrestled with it, strangling it. For its efforts in trying to kill Heracles, Hera placed the beast amongst the stars as Leo.

Gallery[]

Leo

Zodiac Constellations
Constellations : AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces
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