Canis Major constellation
Canis Major is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the great dog. It is highest in the sky at midnight around January 4, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 57°N to 90°S.
Canis Major at a glance
- Represents
- the great dog
- Highest at midnight
- January 4
- Highest at 9 pm
- February 18
- Seen whole from
- 57°N to 90°S
- Brightest star
- Sirius
- Stars in the figure
- 16 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Canis Major
Canis Major is highest in the sky at midnight around January 4 and at 9 pm around February 18. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 11:10 PM |
| February 15 | 9:10 PM |
| March 15 | 7:20 PM |
| April 15 | 5:20 PM |
| May 15 | 3:20 PM |
| June 15 | 1:20 PM |
| July 15 | 11:20 AM |
| August 15 | 9:20 AM |
| September 15 | 7:20 AM |
| October 15 | 5:20 AM |
| November 15 | 3:20 AM |
| December 15 | 1:20 AM |
Where to look for Canis Major
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Canis Major rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on January 4, 27° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Canis Major rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on January 4, 78° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Canis Major
Canis Major in myth and history
Canis Major is one of the hunting dogs of Orion, following its master across the sky. Its brightest star, Sirius, is often called the Dog Star.
Canis Major is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Canis Major
Find Canis Major in your sky
Questions about Canis Major
Canis Major is highest in the sky at midnight around January 4 and at 9 pm around February 18. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Canis Major rises above the horizon from 57°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 78°N to 90°S.
Sirius is the brightest star in Canis Major, at magnitude -1.44.
Canis Major represents the great dog. Canis Major is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.