  We show that the Leech lattice gives a sphere covering which is locally least
dense among lattice coverings. We show that a similar result is false for the
root lattice E8. For this we construct a less dense covering lattice whose
Delone subdivision has a common refinement with the Delone subdivision of E8.
The new lattice yields a sphere covering which is more than 12% less dense than
the formerly best known given by the lattice A8*. Currently, the Leech lattice
is the first and only known example of a locally optimal lattice covering
having a non-simplicial Delone subdivision. We hereby in particular answer a
question of Dickson posed in 1968. By showing that the Leech lattice is rigid
our answer is even strongest possible in a sense.
