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 14 January, 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
- 14 January
- Highest at 9 pm
- 28 February
- 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 14 January and at 9 pm around 28 February. 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 |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 11:50 pm |
| 15 February | 9:50 pm |
| 15 March | 8:00 pm |
| 15 April | 6:00 pm |
| 15 May | 4:00 pm |
| 15 June | 2:00 pm |
| 15 July | 12:00 pm |
| 15 August | 10:00 am |
| 15 September | 8:00 am |
| 15 October | 6:00 am |
| 15 November | 4:00 am |
| 15 December | 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 14 January, 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 14 January, 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 14 January and at 9 pm around 28 February. 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.