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Leo Major and Leo Minor
Like many constellations, Leo Major got its name from Greek mythology. It's named for the lion that Hercules slew in the first of his labors. Ancient Egyptians believed the Sun rose from Leo. At Leo's heart, where its neck connects to its body, is its brightest star, Regulus. Leo's head and neck are curved like the letter "C," and its body is rectangular with a triangle at its back end. Leo Minor sits just north of Leo Major. This triangle of stars doesn't resemble a lion, and doesn't contain a remarkable alpha star. However, it does harbor several galaxies and other deep-sky objects of interest.
Ursa Major and Ursa Minor
Ursa Major gets its name from its resemblance to a large bear. The constellation's most famous component is the Big Dipper, which comprises the seven bright stars that represent the bear's back and tail. Ursa Major also houses notable objects including double stars, planetary nebulae and irregular and spiral galaxies, including the Whirlpool Galaxy. Ursa Minor, or the Little Bear, is also called the Little Dipper for its shape. It lies due north of Ursa Major, and contains Polaris, the North Star.
Orion
April offers one last chance to spot Orion, or the Hunter, before the constellation disappears for eight months. Orion, with its long body, sword and hunting bow, is one of the night sky's most recognizable constellations. Orion's sword includes the Great Orion Nebula, a gas and dust cloud heavily studied by astronomers. Many cultures have recognized a human shape in this constellation. Ancient Greeks named it after one of their legendary hunters, while ancient Egyptians believed it housed the soul of the god Osiris. Arabs believed the constellation resembled a giant.
Gemini
Just east of Orion, you'll find the "twins" of the constellation Gemini. The bright stars at their heads are Castor and Pollux, named after the mythical identical twins born to the Spartan queen Leda. A small planet orbits Pollux, and the constellation also contains several large planetary nebulae.
Hydra
Like Leo Major, the name "Hydra" comes from the Greek legend of Hercules; it's a reference to the nine-headed snake Hercules killed in his second labor. The constellation's small, oval head and long, snaking tail give it the appearance of a large water serpent. Hydra is the sky's largest constellation; its tail curves around three other constellations, including Crater and Corvus. Hydra contains spiral galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.