The subject of Saturday’s riddle, Hind’s Crimson Star (R Leporis) is a Mira variable carbon star in the constellation Lepus.  Described in 1845 by astronomer J.R. Hind, R Lep is often cited as being one of the most beautiful of the ruby-esque carbon stars.

The constellation Lepus - by Torsten Bronger

With an apparent magnitude variance of +5.5 to +11.7 in an approximate 430 day cycle, R Lep appears the most crimson during the time its magnitude is dimmest.  This is probably due to variations in the amount of carbon in the star’s outer atmosphere.  The more carbon present, the more blue light is filtered from the visible light spectrum.

R Leporis, image by Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

Described as a “drop of blood on a black field”, a “glowing red coal”, and a ruby (of course), R Lep is said to eclipse even the ruddy Betelgeuse and Antares.  Easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope, this beauty is a sight worth the search.  Lepus (the “Hare”) is located south of Orion, and is best seen mid-January.  You’ll have the added bonus of viewing T Leporis and M79.

Lepus - R Leporis is in the center, Mu Leporis is in the lower left

Let me know what you think of it when you find it.