They are Alpha (a) Hydrae (Alphard), Gamma (y) Leonis (
Algieba), Beta ([beta]) Leonis (Denebola), and Alpha (a) Coronae Borealis (Alphecca)--with magnitudes of 1.99 (Alphard), 2.01 (
Algieba), 2.14 (Denebola), and 2.22 (Alphecca).
But Regulus is only slightly brighter than the Sickle's next-brightest star, 2nd-magnitude
Algieba, or Gamma ([gamma]) Leonis.
There was a Vesta (mag 6.1) 'spectacular' on 2010 February 17 when the asteroid passed between
Algieba (gamma Leonis) and 40 Leonis.
The brightest star in the Sickle's curve is Gamma ([gamma]) Leonis, commonly known as
Algieba, a delightful double star for any telescope.
The end of the Sickle's handle (the forefoot) is 1st-magnitude Regulus, which means "little king." The Sickle's second-brightest star is 2nd-magnitude
Algieba, also known as Gamma (y) Leonis.
2nd-magnitude double star Gamma Leonis, also known as
Algieba. The
The second-brightest star in the Sickle is Gamma ([gamma]) Leonis or
Algieba, which a telescope reveals to be a fine double star (separation 4.5 arcseconds) with both components pale yellow-orange.
But Leo also possesses two 2nd-magnitude stars: the fine double star
Algieba, or Gamma ([gamma]) Leonis, and Denebola, also called Beta ([beta]) Leonis, which marks the Lion's tail.
The brightest star in the curve is
Algieba, a wonderful double star for any telescope.
Algieba ([gamma] Leonis) is a superb pair of radiant golden yellow suns that ranks as one of the finest doubles in the sky.
The second-brightest star in the Sickle is
Algieba, or Gamma (y) Leonis.
Gamma Leonis (
Algieba), the magnitude-2 star at the base of Leo's neck, has at least one planet, possibly two.