What it looks like
Canes Venatici is a compact northern constellation, introduced in 1690 by Johannes Hevelius, drawn as two hunting dogs held on a leash by Boötes the Herdsman. Though small, it is one of the richest regions of the sky for galaxies, including the Whirlpool Galaxy — the first galaxy ever recognised as having spiral structure.
Brightest stars
Canes Venatici has only two named stars, with Cor Caroli the brightest at magnitude 2.9.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cor Caroli (α CVn) | +2.89 | 110 ly | Heart of Charles |
| Chara (β CVn) | +4.24 | 27 ly | Joy |
Mythology and history
Canes Venatici has no ancient mythology. It was created by Hevelius in 1690 and named 'Heart of Charles' for the star Cor Caroli in honour of King Charles I of England.
The king's dogs
The constellation was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1690, using stars that had formerly belonged to Ursa Major. Hevelius drew two dogs held on a leash by Boötes the Herdsman, driving the bears around the pole. The brightest star, Cor Caroli — 'Heart of Charles' — was named by Edmond Halley in 1725 in honour of King Charles I of England, said to have shone brightly on the night before his execution. An alternative tradition links the name to Charles II, on whose restoration the star was said to have brightened.
How to find it
Look just below the handle of the Big Dipper, between Boötes and Ursa Major, on spring and summer evenings.
- Find the handle of the Big Dipper; Canes Venatici lies just below it.
- Look for Cor Caroli, the only bright star in the region.
- Best on spring and summer evenings from the northern hemisphere.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- CVn
- Genitive
- Canum Venaticorum
- Meaning
- The Hunting Dogs
- Brightest star
- Cor Caroli
- Main stars
- 2
- Area rank
- 38th
- Best visible
- May
- Declination
- +40°
- Meteor showers
- Canes Venaticids
- Neighbours
- Ursa Major, Boötes, Coma Berenices
Deep-sky objects
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is one of the most famous face-on spirals in the sky, interacting with its companion NGC 5195. The constellation also contains M3, a bright globular cluster, M94 (a starburst spiral galaxy) and M106, plus the Sunflower Galaxy (M63).
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Canes Venatici look like?
Canes Venatici is a small northern constellation known as the Hunting Dogs, home to the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and the globular cluster M3.
What is the brightest star in Canes Venatici?
The brightest star in Canes Venatici is Cor Caroli, shining at around magnitude 2.89.
When is Canes Venatici best visible?
Canes Venatici is best seen from northern hemisphere during May.
What is the story behind Canes Venatici?
Canes Venatici has no ancient mythology. It was created by Hevelius in 1690 and named 'Heart of Charles' for the star Cor Caroli in honour of King Charles I of England.
Which constellations are near Canes Venatici?
Canes Venatici borders Ursa Major, Boötes and Coma Berenices.
Ursa Major
Boötes