Constellation · Leo Minor · LMi

Leo Minor constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it

northernbest in april

In short

Leo Minor (LMi) is a northern constellation covering 232 square degrees, number 64 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 3.8, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in April. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Leo, Lynx, Ursa Major.

Area: 232 square degrees, 64 of 88 · Neighbours: Leo, Lynx, Ursa Major · Updated 10 October 2026

How to find Leo Minor

1
When to look
The best time is in April in the evening: in the south, around 21:46.
2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Leo, Lynx, Ursa Major.
3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Praecipua (3.8ᵐ), β LMi (4.2ᵐ), 21 LMi (4.5ᵐ).

When it is visible over London

Month	Where and when	Conditions
January — march	in the south, around 02:41	around midnight
April	in the south, around 21:46	in the evening
May — june	in the west, around 22:24	in the evening
July — august	in the northwest, around 23:00	low, needs an open horizon
September	in the northeast, around 05:13	before dawn
October	in the east, around 06:04	before dawn
November	in the southeast, around 05:58	before dawn
December	in the south, around 04:44	before dawn