Constellation · Canis Minor · CMi

Canis Minor constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it

equatorialbest in february2 bright stars

In short

Canis Minor (CMi) is a equatorial constellation covering 183 square degrees, number 71 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Procyon, a yellow-white subgiant, magnitude 0.4. It is best seen in the evening in February. Over London it rises and sets and is well placed in its season. Its neighbours in the sky: Cancer, Gemini, Hydra, Monoceros.

Area: 183 square degrees, 71 of 88 · Neighbours: Cancer, Gemini, Hydra, Monoceros · Updated 10 October 2026

How to find Canis Minor

1
When to look
The best time is in February in the evening: in the south, around 21:44.
2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Cancer, Gemini, Hydra, Monoceros.
3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Procyon (0.4ᵐ), Gomeisa (2.9ᵐ).

When it is visible over London

Month	Where and when	Conditions
January	in the south, around 23:56	around midnight
February — march	in the south, around 21:44	in the evening
April	in the southwest, around 21:16	in the evening
May	in the west, around 22:24	low, needs an open horizon
June — august	—	not visible, behind the Sun
September	in the southeast, around 05:13	before dawn
October — november	in the south, around 06:04	before dawn
December	in the south, around 01:59	around midnight