Canes Venatici constellation
Canes Venatici is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the hunting dogs. It is highest in the sky at midnight around April 3, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 49°S.
Canes Venatici at a glance
- Represents
- the hunting dogs
- Highest at midnight
- April 3
- Highest at 9 pm
- May 18
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 49°S
- Stars in the figure
- 2 stars
- Origin
- Johannes Hevelius, 1690
When to see Canes Venatici
Canes Venatici is highest in the sky at midnight around April 3 and at 9 pm around May 18. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 5:10 a.m. |
| February 15 | 3:10 a.m. |
| March 15 | 1:20 a.m. |
| April 15 | 11:10 p.m. |
| May 15 | 9:10 p.m. |
| June 15 | 7:10 p.m. |
| July 15 | 5:10 p.m. |
| August 15 | 3:10 p.m. |
| September 15 | 1:10 p.m. |
| October 15 | 11:10 a.m. |
| November 15 | 9:10 a.m. |
| December 15 | 7:10 a.m. |
Where to look for Canes Venatici
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Canes Venatici rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on April 3, almost overhead.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Canes Venatici rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on April 3, 15° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Canes Venatici
None of the stars of Canes Venatici is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 2.
Canes Venatici in myth and history
The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Canes Venatici in his star atlas of 1690.
Constellations next to Canes Venatici
Find Canes Venatici in your sky
Questions about Canes Venatici
Canes Venatici is highest in the sky at midnight around April 3 and at 9 pm around May 18. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Canes Venatici rises above the horizon from 90°N to 49°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 52°S.
Canes Venatici represents the hunting dogs. The astronomer Johannes Hevelius added Canes Venatici in his star atlas of 1690.