The “heart of the king” Regulus (labeled in green) shines in Leo the lion high in the Pittsburgh sky
Credit: Kayla Waugaman Carnegie Science Center

May 13, 2025

Leo the Lion, the twelfth largest constellation, still regally rules the springtime heavens. It is easy to spot the distinctive backward question mark shape that creates the mane of Leo. A triangle of stars forms the hindquarters.

The Lion’s heart is so bright a star it was known in ancient Babylonia as, “The King Star.” Persians looked to Regulus as the star that reigned over Spring. Today, glittering Regulus has been found to be a star system of at least four stars, and the collected luminosity of blue-white Regulus earned its designation as a navigation star.

Oral traditions of storytelling among Northen American Indigenous populations have passed down star pattern legends tracing similar outlines among modern constellations. Using the sickle curve of Leo’s mane, the Ojibwe culture formed a curly tail belonging to a giant panther. The panther’s head is in the fainter stars of Hydra, a constellation just south of Leo’s stars. Ojibwe culture celebrated four main seasonal constellations. Curly Tail or The Great Panther (Gaadidnaway and Mishi bizhiw respectively) represent Spring. They ascend after The Wintermaker (Orion) sets after striding cold wintry nights.

Not since the time of 1874 have wild panthers roamed the Pittsburgh region. These powerful felines have long captured our imaginations. Bronze panther statues famously reside at the four corners of Panther Hollow Bridge, prowling in tribute since 1897.

Are you as fascinated by the night sky as we are?

Join us for SkyWatch: Carnegie Science Center’s monthly opportunity to catch a glimpse of the stars with professional telescopes. Get a great view of the Pittsburgh skyline as you stargaze with other space enthusiasts. Plus, watch a feature show at the Buhl Planetarium and participate in fun, astronomy-themed activities.