Canes Venatici (the Hunting Dogs) ride the sky south of the
Big Dipper. This modern constellation
is marked principally by
Cor Caroli (the brightest star in the picture, near center) and
considerably dimmer Chara, the brightest star to the right of
Cor Caroli. These two and the star below Chara
make the southern of the two dogs, originally called by the
star's name "Chara." The northern dog, "Asterion," is marked by
the little clump of stars up and to the left of Cor Caroli.
Directly up from Chara is one of the brightest carbon
stars in the sky, Y Canum Venaticorum, notable by
its reddish color.
To the south, off the picture toward the bottom, is
the lacy
cluster that makes much of the
lovely constellation Coma Berenices
(Berenice's Hair). Together they make a fine
sight to the west of Bootes.
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