The zodiacal constellation Leo, the lion. North is at top. The body of the lion is formed from the bright stars at center and center left. Just right of center is Regulus (Alpha Leonis), the heart of the lion, with Denebola (Beta Leonis, at center 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 neighboring constellation Hydra, the water snake.