SOLD/ Original $5,000 Acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" - Leo Constellation is one of the easiest constellations to discern in the night sky, and is one of the earliest recognized constellations since ancient civilization. First cataloged by Ptolemy in the second century, much myth and lore have circulated around Leo Constellation through the ages by numerous cultures. But it is Regulus (Alpha Leonis), the brightest star in Leo, that is the true star of the show in this collaged composition. Because bright Regulus sits at the chest of the starry beast, it has been immortalized as Leo?s kingly heart. Known as ?Little King,? it is one of the brightest stars shining at an apparent magnitude of 1.35. Though Regulus has been looked upon as a champion star throughout history, it wasn't until the sixteenth century that astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus first documented its regal name. Represented in two specific areas of this painting, the stars distinct light spectrum (B7 V) emanates in colorful light refraction. In reality Regulus is not one star but part of a multiple star system consisting of Regulus A, Regulus B, and Regulus C as featured in higher detail in the night-sky box at lower left of the painting. Also featured here is the dazzling dwarf galaxy Leo 1 documented as one degree to the right of Regulus.

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