Canis Major constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Canis Major (CMa) is a equatorial constellation covering 380 square degrees, number 43 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Sirius, a white main-sequence star, magnitude −1.5. It is best seen in the evening in February. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Columba, Lepus, Monoceros, Puppis.
Area: 380 square degrees, 43 of 88 · Neighbours: Columba, Lepus, Monoceros, Puppis · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Canis Major
- 1
When to look
The best time is in February in the evening: in the south, around 21:14.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Columba, Lepus, Monoceros, Puppis.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Sirius (−1.5ᵐ), Adhara (1.5ᵐ), Wezen (1.8ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — march | in the south, around 23:11 | low, needs an open horizon |
| April — september | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
| October — december | in the south, around 06:04 | low, needs an open horizon |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Sirius · α CMa | white main-sequence star | −1.5ᵐ |
| Adhara · ε CMa | blue-white bright giant | 1.5ᵐ |
| Wezen · δ CMa | yellow-white supergiant | 1.8ᵐ |
| Mirzam · β CMa | blue-white bright giant | 2.0ᵐ |
| Aludra · η CMa | blue-white supergiant | 2.5ᵐ |
| ο² CMa | blue-white supergiant | 3.0ᵐ |
| Furud · ζ CMa | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.0ᵐ |
| Nganurganity · σ CMa | orange supergiant | 3.5ᵐ |
Canis Major FAQ
When is the best time to see Canis Major?
Where is Canis Major in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Canis Major?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0