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 4 January, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 57°N to 90°S.

SiriusAdharaWezenMirzamMake a star map with constellations

Canis Major at a glance

Represents
the great dog
Highest at midnight
4 January
Highest at 9 pm
18 February
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 4 January and at 9 pm around 18 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.

When Canis Major is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January23:10
15 February21:10
15 March19:20
15 April17:20
15 May15:20
15 June13:20
15 July11:20
15 August09:20
15 September07:20
15 October05:20
15 November03:20
15 December01:20

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 4 January, 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 4 January, 78° above the northern horizon.

Brightest stars in Canis Major

The brightest stars in Canis Major
StarMagnitude
Sirius-1.44
Adhara1.50
Wezen1.83
Mirzam1.98

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