Constellations

Canes Venatici

Canes Venatici is a small constellation in the northern hemisphere.
It is one of seven constellations designed in 1687 by Polish astronomer Johannes_Hevelius.
Canes Venatici in the Night Sky

This section describes the constellation as it is seen in the night sky.

For myth and star lore about Canes Venatici click here.

For a listing of names of objects within the boundaries of Canes Venatici click here.

Star maps based on map provided by Sea & Sky

The stars of Canes Venatici

Number Desig-
nation Name
Number Desig-
nation Name
1 M51 Whirlpool Galaxy
5 α² Cor Caroli
2 M63 Sunflower Galaxy
6 β Chara
3 M94 Messier 94 / NGC 4736
7 Y La Superba
4 M106 Messier 106 / NGC 4258

Whirlpool Galaxy

Hubble telescope images have made the the Whirlpool Galaxy one of the most popular galaxies. From Earth, it can be seen "face on", clearly revealing its spiral character.

In 1845, Anglo-Irish astronomer William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse observed what was then known as a "nebula" and noticed its spiral structure. His precise drawing was the first closeup image of a galaxy.

Sources: Wikipedia, NASA Whirlpool Galaxy and Galaxy NGC 5195
Source: NASA

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