Constellation · best in February evenings

Canis Major

The Great Dog · Genitive Canis Majoris · CMa

Above the horizon after darkHighest after dark 05:17 · southeast · 12°

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Where is Canis Major?

Times for LondonChange city

Look southeast, about 12° up at 05:17. It rises at 03:01 and climbs through the night.

Rises: 03:01
Highest: 06:55
Sets: 10:48
Best after dark: 05:17 · 12°

How to find Canis Major

Start with Sirius, Canis Major’s brightest star (mag −1.5). Nearby constellations include Puppis, Columba, Lepus and Monoceros.

Its center is at right ascension 6h 53m, declination −23°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Sirius

Best time to see Canis Major

Canis Major is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in February. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 53° N to 90° S.

From London tonight, Canis Major is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the southeast at 12°.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Canis Major

Eyes

Its brightest star, Sirius, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Canis Major (genitive Canis Majoris, abbreviated CMa) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Sirius, magnitude −1.5.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 4 named stars and 1 deep-sky object in Canis Major.

Brightest stars and objects in Canis Major

Questions

What is the brightest star in Canis Major?

Sirius, at magnitude −1.5.

When is Canis Major visible?

Canis Major is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in February. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Canis Major from where I live?

All of Canis Major rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 53° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

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Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences