Constellation · CVn
Canes Venatici
The Hunting Dogs
Contains the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and the bright globular cluster M3, plus Cor Caroli, its brightest star.
Magnitude 2.89
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Canes Venatici
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Cor Caroli (Alpha² Canum Venaticorum)mag 2.89
- Chara (Beta Canum Venaticorum)mag 4.24
- La Superbamag 5.42
Can you see Canes Venatici from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Canes Venatici |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Canes Venatici
When is Canes Venatici best seen?
Canes Venatici stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in May. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Canes Venatici?
The brightest star in Canes Venatici is Cor Caroli (Alpha² Canum Venaticorum), magnitude 2.89.
Where on Earth can you see Canes Venatici?
The whole of Canes Venatici can be seen from latitudes between about 38°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Canes Venatici mean?
Canes Venatici is Latin for "the Hunting Dogs". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.