Canis Major Constellation
Double-click to unlock the map.
Canis Major, the greater dog, is a large and prominent constellation in the southern sky, home to Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.
Array
Canis Major Rise and Set Timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
Moon Rise, 2.6% illuminated  | 05:56 | -72° |
| Canis Major Rise | 14:01 | |
| Sunset | 15:50 | 17° |
| Civil sunset | 16:18 | 20° |
| Astrosession begin | 18:08 | 29° |
| Moon Set | 18:35 | 30° |
| Canis Major Transit | 18:44 | 30° |
| Canis Major Set | 23:27 | |
| Astrosession end | 03:53 | -51° |
Track Canis Major Position Throughout the Night
← Fri, 20 February 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Shift the map to change the time and observe Canis Major changing position in the night sky.
Annual motion of Canis Major
| Date | Sat, 21 February 2026 |
| Twighlight start | 17:19 |
| Twighlight end | 03:20 |
| Twighlight duration | 10h 1m |
| Rise | 13:57 |
| Set | 23:24 |
| Elevation at transit | 30° |
| Transit time | 18:40 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 06h 37m 20s", Dec: -23° 04' 40s |
| Magnitude | - |
| Constellation |
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Canis Major, providing a comprehensive overview of its daily appearances and transit times throughout the year.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Canis Major is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit. You can also view detailed visibility information in a dedicated table, including exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Canis Major is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit. You can also view detailed visibility information in a dedicated table, including exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries, which provide a consistent framework for celestial mapping.
Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for their collaboration in producing the charts and tables. The constellation patterns, drawn by Alan MacRobert, were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and thoughtfully adjusted to align with earlier traditions.