What it looks like
Canis Minor is one of the smallest constellations, drawn as one of Orion's two hunting dogs. It contains only two stars brighter than fourth magnitude, but its brightest, Procyon, is the eighth-brightest star in the night sky and forms the Winter Triangle with Sirius and Betelgeuse.
Brightest stars
Canis Minor is dominated by Procyon, a brilliant nearby star; its only other named star, Gomeisa, is much fainter.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procyon (α Canis Minoris) | +0.34 | 11 ly | Before the Dog |
| Gomeisa (β Canis Minoris) | +2.89 | 170 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Canis Minor is one of Orion's two hunting dogs, smaller than Canis Major and following close behind.
Orion's second hound
Canis Minor is traditionally identified as the smaller of Orion's two hunting dogs, running alongside Canis Major. Some traditions instead link it to Maera, the dog of Icarius, who was transformed into a star after leading searchers to his master's body. Its brightest star, Procyon, means 'before the dog' in Greek, because it rises just before Sirius, the Dog Star.
How to find it
Look for a solitary bright star, Procyon, on winter evenings — the easternmost corner of the Winter Triangle.
- Find Orion's Belt and follow it left to Sirius, then up to Procyon.
- Procyon forms the Winter Triangle with Sirius and Betelgeuse.
- Best on winter evenings from both hemispheres.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- CMi
- Genitive
- Canis Minoris
- Meaning
- The Lesser Dog
- Brightest star
- Procyon
- Main stars
- 2
- Area rank
- 71st
- Best visible
- February
- Declination
- +5°
- Meteor showers
- Canis-Minorids
- Neighbours
- Monoceros, Gemini, Cancer, Hydra
Deep-sky objects
Canis Minor has few notable deep-sky objects because it lies away from the Milky Way's plane. Its main interest is Procyon itself, a binary system with a faint white dwarf companion, Procyon B, discovered in 1896.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Canis Minor look like?
Canis Minor is a small equatorial constellation known as the Lesser Dog, marked by its single bright star Procyon, one corner of the Winter Triangle.
What is the brightest star in Canis Minor?
The brightest star in Canis Minor is Procyon, shining at around magnitude 0.34.
When is Canis Minor best visible?
Canis Minor is best seen from both hemispheres during February.
What is the story behind Canis Minor?
In Greek myth, Canis Minor is one of Orion's two hunting dogs, smaller than Canis Major and following close behind.
Which constellations are near Canis Minor?
Canis Minor borders Monoceros, Gemini, Cancer and Hydra.
Canis Major
Orion