Canes Venatici

Canes Venatici, Latin for "hunting dogs," is a diminutive constellation nestled in the northern celestial hemisphere.

Stars

Among the celestial features within Canes Venatici, Cor Caroli shines as its brightest star. Aptly named "Charles's Heart" after King Charles I of England, it constitutes a binary star system positioned roughly 110 light-years away. Following closely in brilliance is Chara, the second-brightest star in the constellation. Located about 27 light-years from Earth, Chara radiates a distinctive yellow hue.

Galaxies

However, the most renowned objects residing in Canes Venatici are captivating galaxies. The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) stands out prominently. M51, situated approximately 23 million light-years away, comprises a pair of interacting galaxies: the larger M51A and its companion, NGC 5195. Additionally, the Sunflower Galaxy (M63), another captivating spiral galaxy within the constellation, rests roughly 37 million light-years distant from Earth.

History

Canes Venatici was cataloged and introduced by the 17th-century astronomer Johannes Hevelius. The constellation derives its name from the two mythical hunting dogs associated with the neighboring constellation Boötes. Alpha Canum Venaticorum, also known as Cor Caroli, and Beta Canum Venaticorum, named Chara, symbolize the two faithful hounds Asterion and Chara from Greek mythology.