Constellation · Canes Venatici · CVn

Canes Venatici constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it

northernbest in may1 bright star

In short

Canes Venatici (CVn) is a northern constellation covering 465 square degrees, number 38 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Cor Caroli, a white star, magnitude 2.9. It is best seen in the evening in May. Over London it never sets and is visible all year. Its neighbours in the sky: Boötes, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major.

Area: 465 square degrees, 38 of 88 · Neighbours: Boötes, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major · Updated 10 October 2026

How to find Canes Venatici

1
When to look
The best time is in May in the evening: in the south, around 22:24.
2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Boötes, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major.
3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Cor Caroli (2.9ᵐ), Chara (4.3ᵐ).

When it is visible over London

Month	Where and when	Conditions
January — february	in the south, around 05:11	before dawn
March — april	in the south, around 01:17	around midnight
May	in the south, around 22:24	in the evening
June — july	in the west, around 23:21	in the evening
August — september	in the northwest, around 21:48	in the evening
October	in the northeast, around 06:04	before dawn
November	in the east, around 05:58	before dawn
December	in the southeast, around 06:29	before dawn