This is an era of anarchy. Everywhere there is chaos, turmoil, war and pestilence. Financial melt-down, political instability, economic recession and social upheaval are spreading right across the globe. Why this anarchy? The answer is very simple: it is because there is no monarchy - reigning or constitutional - in many countries; it is because even there is one already the people are clamouring for its abolition. Recently, Nepal sent King Gayendra into oblivion. Down under, the debate of abolishing monarchy springs up time and again.
Wherever the monarchy was removed, very often unceremoniously and un-constitutionally, it was followed with an extended period of chaos. Twentieth Century was dotted with countries that had the share of turmoil arising from this phenomenon. Russia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain & Turkey in Europe, Afghanistan & Iran in Asia, Egypt & Libya in Africa are chief amongst these nations. Will this trend continue?
No absolutely not. Surveying the Sky in 2008, Douglas Gies of the Georgia State University found an interesting companion star for the Royal star of Regulus. This is “D” star in the group. Already Regulus has two companions “B” & “C”. One more companion to Regulus reverses the trend of abolishing monarchy. In its stead restoration of Monarchy would take place across the globe. A good lesson has already been learnt in this current financial melt-down. In countries where monarchy is retained, the ill-effect of the chaos is less. Look at the Nordic countries; look at Japan; look at even England. The situation is not as bad as in countries where there is no monarchy. Now look at the United States, Germany and France.
Historically, Royalty and Regulus are very much connected. Regulus together with three more stars namely, Antares, Fomalhaut and Aldebaran were considered as the royal Stars of Persia about 3000 B.C. They were venerated as the four guardians of heaven: Regulus in north, Antares in west, Fomalhaut in South and Aldebaran in East. The Persian names went as Venant, Satevis, Hastorang and Tascheter respectively. These four stars not only acted as guardians but also marked the season as well. These were located approximately in 6 hours interval in the space roughly about 3 months marking the equinoxes and the solstices. Out of the four guardians, Regulus was given a pride of place. It represented the Summer Solstices and was depicted as the Lion; no wonder the Persian flag had Lion as its emblem. Yet another reason is that the star Regulus is in Leo Constellation.
In various cultures Regulus was saluted royally. Babylonians called it “Sharru” – King; Indians enthroned it Magha- Mighty; Arabs coroneted it Maliky - Kingly; Romans anointed it as Basilica Regia or Stella Regia – Royal star; Greeks went little muted Basiliscos – The little king. The present name Regulus meaning “the little king” perhaps originated from the Greeks. As Regulus was located away from the head towards the body of the Lion it was named Cor Leonis – Lions’ Heart. Al-Biruni had it much more colourfully “Al-Kalb al-Asad - the heart of the Lion”. But for modern astronomers it is simply Alpha (a) Leonis.
Astronomically, Regulus is of 1.35 magnitudes with a magnificent Bluish-white colour aptly described as B-7 star. It is approximately 3.4 times size of the Sun, 137 times luminous than the Sun. A young star formed few million years ago, Regulus spins much faster than the Sun. Like the sun it generates light and energy by converting hydrogen into helium at its core. We call this “main-sequence”. In fact Regulus is the star that is much closer to the Sun amongst the main sequence stars in the heaven. Due to its rapid rotation the Round star turned like a pumpkin. Not only that, it gives out much more luminosity. Though the luminosity of 137 times is given the visible luminosity can raise high as 340 times.
Regulus is located almost on the Ecliptic. Consequently often it is overshadowed by the Sun. On or about 20th August the Sun would completely cover Regulus. The Moon also does this job regularly. You can locate Regulus at Right Ascension (RA) 10 hour 15/100 minutes and Declination (Dec) plus 12 Degree 12/100 minutes. The best time to view is April to June period.
As already mentioned Regulus has companion stars B C and D. Hence we call Regulus a “multiple star system”. Few words about its companion would not be out of place.
B – An orange dwarf binary star of 8.5 magnitude and K2star orbiting once in 120,000 years
C – A faint red dwarf considered as M4 star orbiting once in 1000 years
D – A white dwarf just a third of the size of the Sun orbiting every 40 days. It was found due to its gravitational pull. Enough of astronomy for now.
Cosmically, the Royal star is a great spectacle to look at. In fact Regulus is approaching the earth travelling about 5 miles per second. Day after day it becomes brighter and more bluish and not to mention more royal. Its soothing light brings you inner harmony and enhances your vision. Have you ever been touched by a Royal? If so you will know the soothing effect of the royal touch. You can experience the same feeling while looking at the royal star of Regulus.
If you are born under this star it is truly magnificent. It gives you magnanimity, liberal attitude, independence and the halo effect around you. But do not worry; Fame of the Monarch spread much far and wide. Even if you are born under any star that is located in one of two areas given below you can continue to have the royal feeling. And auspiciousness to boot.
1. The area called as “ Sickle of Leo”, a sickle shape group of stars showing the head of the lion and its nearer body, Regulus marks the end of this sickle
2. The Triangle formed by Regulus with Procyon in the Constellation Canis Minor and Alphard in the Constellation Hydra.
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