Leo constellation. Optical image of the zodiacal constellation Leo, the lion. North is at top. The body of the lion is formed from the bright stars at centre and centre left. Just right of centre is Regulus (Alpha Leonis), the heart of the lion, with Denebola (Beta Leonis, at centre left), marking its tail. The lion's head is formed from the hook of stars above Regulus. The Sun passes through Leo in late Summer, so the constellation is best seen in early Spring from the northern hemisphere. The bright star at lower right is Alphard (Alpha Hydrae) in the neighbouring constellation Hydra, the water snake.