* Regulus (α Leonis): The brightest star in Leo, a blue-white star with a magnitude of 1.35. It is the heart of the lion.

* Denebola (β Leonis): The second brightest star in Leo, a white star with a magnitude of 2.14. It marks the lion's tail.

* Algieba (γ Leonis): A double star system, consisting of two yellow giants with a combined magnitude of 2.01. It marks the lion's mane.

* Zosma (δ Leonis): A white main sequence star with a magnitude of 2.57. It marks the lion's hip.

* Chertan (θ Leonis): A white main sequence star with a magnitude of 3.33. It marks the lion's back.

* Adhafera (ζ Leonis): A blue-white giant with a magnitude of 3.43. It marks the lion's shoulder.

These stars form the distinctive shape of Leo, resembling a backward question mark or a sickle.