1.4
Apparent Mag79.3
Distance (ly)B8IVn
Spectral Type12,460
Temperature (K)Regulus is the brightest star in Leo and sits almost exactly on the ecliptic, so it is regularly occulted by the Moon. It spins so rapidly that it is significantly oblate and close to its breakup velocity.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude1.4
Absolute Magnitude-0.52
Distance79.3 light-years
Spectral TypeB8IVn
Temperature12,460 K
Luminosity316 L☉
Radius4.35 R☉
Mass3.8 M☉
Right Ascension10h 08m 22.3s
Declination+11° 58′ 01.9″
ConstellationLeo
Notable Facts
- Regulus rotates at 96.5% of its breakup velocity, making it highly oblate
- It lies almost exactly on the ecliptic and is regularly occulted by the Moon
- The name means little king in Latin