Canes Venatici (Latin for hunting dogs) is a small northern constellation that was introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century. It is supposed to represent the dogs Chara and Asterion held on a leash by Boötes.

Notable features

Canes Venatici is one of three constellations that represent dogs, along with Canis Major and Canis Minor. The constellation's brightest star is α CVn, whose proper name is Cor Caroli, named by Edmund Halley in memory of the English King Charles I. It is of magnitude 2.90.

Y CVn, sometimes known as "La Superba", is a semiregular variable star that varies between magnitudes 4.7 and 6.2 over a period of around 158 days. It is a very red star.

Notable deep sky objects

Canes Venatici contains five Messier objects, including five galaxies. One of the more significant galaxies in Canes Venatici is the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51 (NGC 5194 and NGC 5195), a spiral galaxy that is seen face on. This was the first galaxy recognised as having a spiral structure, this structure being first observed by Lord Rosse in 1845.

M51, known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. The companion galaxy (top of picture) is being disrupted by the gravitational forces of M51.

Other galaxies in Canes Venatici include the Sunflower Galaxy (M63 or NGC 5055), Spiral Galaxy M94, and Spiral Galaxy M106,

Messier 3 (M3, or NGC 5272) is a globular cluster. It is 18′ in diameter, and at magnitude 6.3 is bright enough to be seen in binoculars.

Table of leading stars

This table lists all stars in Canes Venatici with either a Bayer designation or a Flamsteed designation.

Source: The Bright Star Catalogue, 5th Revised Ed.

See also