Canis Major

Description

Canis Major is famous for containing Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius is a binary star with a white dwarf companion. The "winter triangle" includes Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Procyon.

Mythology and History

Canis Major is one of Orion's hunting dogs. Sirius, its main star, was very important to the Egyptians: its heliacal rising marked the beginning of the Nile flood and the Egyptian New Year.

How to Observe

Visible from December to March. Sirius is unmistakable for its intense brightness. Following Orion's belt southeast leads directly to Sirius.

Main Stars