description Lepus Overview
Lepus is a constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, lying just south of the celestial equator and immediately below Orion. Its name is Latin for “hare,” and classical representations show the animal being hunted by Orion and, in some versions, by his dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor. The constellation was included in Ptolemy's second-century catalogue and remains one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. [IAU constellation information](https://iauarchive.eso.org/public/themes/constellations/)
help Lepus FAQ
Where is Lepus in the night sky?
Lepus lies in the southern celestial hemisphere, immediately below Orion. It is close to the celestial equator, making it visible from many parts of the world.
What does the name Lepus mean?
Lepus is Latin for hare. In classical sky stories, the hare is shown as an animal hunted by Orion, sometimes with Orion's dogs nearby.
Which constellation is Lepus next to?
Lepus is directly south of Orion. Canis Major, one of Orion's associated hunting dogs, is also nearby in the winter sky.
When is Lepus easiest to see?
Lepus is generally easiest to observe during the Northern Hemisphere's winter evenings, when Orion is prominent. Its position below Orion makes it a useful landmark for finding the constellation.
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