Canis Minor
Where is Canis Minor?
Look southeast, about 36° up at 05:17. It rises at 01:04 and climbs through the night.
- Rises
- 01:04
- Highest
- 07:38
- Sets
- 14:17
- Best after dark
- 05:17 · 36°
How to find Canis Minor
Start with Procyon, Canis Minor’s brightest star (mag 0.4). Nearby constellations include Monoceros and Hydra.
Its center is at right ascension 7h 37m, declination +6°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Canis Minor
Canis Minor 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 88° N to 76° S.
From London tonight, Canis Minor is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the southeast at 36°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Canis Minor
Eyes
Its brightest star, Procyon, 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.
About
Canis Minor (genitive Canis Minoris, abbreviated CMi) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Procyon, magnitude 0.4.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star in Canis Minor.
Brightest stars and objects in Canis Minor
Questions
What is the brightest star in Canis Minor?
When is Canis Minor visible?
Can I see Canis Minor from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences