Starwatch: spring is the perfect time to spot Leo and its bright stars

Zodiacal constellation of the lion was recognised by Mesopotamians as early as 4000BC

Northern spring is the perfect time to see the constellation of Leo, the lion. Being a zodiacal constellation, it sits in the plane of the ecliptic, which marks the path followed by the sun throughout the year. It is bordered to the west by Cancer, the crab, and to the east by Virgo, the virgin.

Leo is a highly recognisable constellation because of its size and the number of bright stars it contains. The lion's head is marked by the star Algenubi, and together with the stars that represent the mane and chest, forms an asterism known as the sickle" because of its shape. The lion's body is marked by four stars, Regulus, Algieba, Zosma, Denebola; the last star is named after the Arabic phrase meaning lion's tail.