Constellation · CMi
Canis Minor
The Lesser Dog
A small constellation with Procyon, the eighth-brightest star in the night sky and one corner of the Winter Triangle.
Magnitude 0.40
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 Minor
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris)mag 0.40
- Gomeisa (Beta Canis Minoris)mag 2.89
Can you see Canis Minor 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 Minor |
|---|---|
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Canis Minor
When is Canis Minor best seen?
Canis Minor 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 Minor?
The brightest star in Canis Minor is Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris), magnitude 0.40.
Where on Earth can you see Canis Minor?
The whole of Canis Minor can be seen from latitudes between about 77°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Canis Minor mean?
Canis Minor is Latin for "the Lesser Dog". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).