Procyon: a fascinating star within the constellation CMi, also known as the “Dog Star.” Officially classified as a Main Sequence star, Procyon is relatively small and bright, situated in the northwestern region of the Milky Way. Its magnitude is just unde
Procyon’s unique position in the sky is primarily due to its elongated, flattened shape – an elliptical configuration remarkably close to a dumbbell. The star’s diameter is about 820 kilometers, which is relatively moderate for a main-sequence star. These characteristics make it readily visible to the unaided eye, particularly to stargazers, for considerable distances. Sirius remains the brightest star in the night sky, and Procyon is a noticeable and distinctive point of light.
Many observers choose Procyon as a significant symbol for dedications or to signify a time of personal significance. Its position, further distant, and elliptical shape evoke a sense of timelessness and steadfastness, reflecting a sense of constancy in time and a connection to a larger cosmic order.
Procyon is, in essence, a steady guide - a reliable point of light visible across vast regions of the celestial sky.
How to see it
Procyon has a visual magnitude of about 0.40: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Procyon: right ascension 7h 39m 18s, declination +5° 13′ 30″ (J2000), in the region of the Canis Minor constellation (IAU figure CMi).
Catalog context
Procyon. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 10Alp CMi, HIP 37279, HD 61421, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-37279. In the SkyKeepsake Canis Minor (CMi) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-37279
- HIP
- 37279
- HD
- 61421
- gaia_dr3
- HYG-HIP-37279
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 10Alp CMi
Also known as
- 10Alp CMi
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-37279
- Gl 280A
- HD 61421
- HIP 37279
- HYG-HIP-37279
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 0.40