Canis Minor (The Lesser Dog)

Tiny northern constellation following Orion's greater dog, carried by just two prominent stars.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Only two of its stars are prominent: Procyon and Gomeisa carry the whole figure.
• Procyon means "before the dog", as it rises shortly before Sirius, and at about 11 light-years it is one of the Sun's nearest bright neighbours.
• It is one of the 48 constellations recorded by Ptolemy.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Procyon (α CMi)
• HEMISPHERE: Northern
• BEST VIEWED: February