Canis Minor constellation
Canis Minor is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the lesser dog. It is highest in the sky at midnight around January 14, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 82°S.
Canis Minor at a glance
- Represents
- the lesser dog
- Highest at midnight
- January 14
- Highest at 9 pm
- February 28
- Seen whole from
- 90°N to 82°S
- Brightest star
- Procyon
- Stars in the figure
- 2 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Canis Minor
Canis Minor is highest in the sky at midnight around January 14 and at 9 pm around February 28. 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 | 11:50 PM |
| February 15 | 9:50 PM |
| March 15 | 8:00 PM |
| April 15 | 6:00 PM |
| May 15 | 4:00 PM |
| June 15 | 2:00 PM |
| July 15 | 12:00 PM |
| August 15 | 10:00 AM |
| September 15 | 8:00 AM |
| October 15 | 6:00 AM |
| November 15 | 4:00 AM |
| December 15 | 2:00 AM |
Where to look for Canis Minor
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Canis Minor rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on January 14, 57° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Canis Minor rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on January 14, 48° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Canis Minor
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Procyon | 0.40 |
Canis Minor in myth and history
Canis Minor is the smaller of the two hunting dogs of Orion.
Canis Minor is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Canis Minor
Find Canis Minor in your sky
Questions about Canis Minor
Canis Minor is highest in the sky at midnight around January 14 and at 9 pm around February 28. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Canis Minor rises above the horizon from 90°N to 82°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 85°S.
Procyon is the brightest star in Canis Minor, at magnitude 0.40.
Canis Minor represents the lesser dog. Canis Minor is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.