Constellation · CMa
Canis Major
The Greater Dog
Contains Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, about 8.6 light-years from the Sun.
Magnitude -1.44
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter 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 Canis Major
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris)mag -1.44
- Adhara (Epsilon Canis Majoris)mag 1.50
- Wezen (Delta Canis Majoris)mag 1.83
- Mirzam (Beta Canis Majoris)mag 1.98
- Aludra (Eta Canis Majoris)mag 2.45
- Furud (Zeta Canis Majoris)mag 3.02
Can you see Canis Major 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 | Canis Major |
|---|---|
| 60°N | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Canis Major
When is Canis Major best seen?
Canis Major stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in February. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Canis Major?
The brightest star in Canis Major is Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris), magnitude -1.44.
Where on Earth can you see Canis Major?
The whole of Canis Major can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 57°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Canis Major mean?
Canis Major is Latin for "the Greater Dog". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).