The borders of Leo, the Lion

Famous for containing many bright galaxies, Leo also hides some lesser known deep-sky delights

Easy to spot because of its ‘sickle’ asterism, the zodiacal constellation of Leo is visible in the sky all through the night now. Among deep sky observers, it is famous for containing many bright and beautiful galaxies, such as Messier 65, Messier 66, and NGC 3628, which are visible in small telescopes and even binoculars. But owners of medium- or large-aperture telescopes who sweep the constellation with their frosted instruments on these bitterly cold but sparkling clear February nights – especially if the Moon is absent from the sky – can see many more fascinating objects and not just galaxies.© E

Look just 17 arcminutes north of Regulus, Leo’s brightest star, and you’ll see the Leo I dwarf galaxy as an elongated, misty patch. Leo II, another lovely-looking elliptical galaxy, can be found over at the far end of the constellation. Beneath it, a little to the right of Denebola, the elliptical galaxy NGC 3872 is also a very attractive sight.