Leo

From ArticleWorld

Leo is a constellation in the Zodiac that is located between Cancer and Virgo. It has many bright stars as well as many faint stars. Some of the most well known bright stars are the Regulus also called the lion's heart and Denebola and γ1 Leonis. Some of the fainter stars that are known are δ Leo, θ Leo, κ Leo, λ Leo, and ο Leo. The formation of the asterism commonly called the sickle is made up of some of these stars and composes what is known as the head and the mane of the lion. Leo also has in its bounds many galaxies but none more famous than the twins Spiral Galaxy M65, Spiral Galaxy M66 and Spiral Galaxy M95, Spiral Galaxy M96.

History

This constellation was well-known in history as early astronomers referred to it. It was originally called Asleha by the Hindus and Simham by the Tamil. Later this was revised to Leya and Leyaya due to the influence of the Romans and Greeks as they called it Leo commonly. It was referred to as Herculeus Leo by Ovid and also thought to be related to the God Bacchus as he was identified by this animal. It was also named by the Persians, Turks, Syrians, Jews and the Babylonians.

Mythology

It has in Greek myth been called the Nemean Lion that was destroyed by Heracles as part of his twelve labors and then relegated to the skies. In astrology Leo plays an important role. Leo is often associated with the fire element and as a fixed sign. It is considered the domicile of the Sun. In astrology it is assigned the heart and the spine as the seat of its power.