When is the best time to observe Pi Canis Majoris?

Pi Canis Majoris is best observed from November through January, with peak visibility during December when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Pi Canis Majoris located in the sky?

Pi Canis Majoris lies in the constellation Canis Major at right ascension 06h 56m and declination -20° 08′.

What telescope do I need to split Pi Canis Majoris?

Splitting Pi Canis Majoris requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 11.6″ at magnitudes near 4.7. The companion is about 4.9 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Pi Canis Majoris — Double Star in Canis Major

Magnitude 4.7^m DoubleStar Canis Major (CMa) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 4.68

Spectral Type gF2

Star Color Yellow-white (B-V 0.37)

Distance 96 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 06h 55m 37.4s

Dec -20° 08' 11.0"

Constellation Canis Major (CMa)

HR 2590

HIP 33302

HD 51199

SAO 172579

Bayer Pi

Flamsteed 19 CMa

Double Cat 5602

SIMBAD

3How easy to split?

Primary 4.7 mag Companion 9.6 mag Separation 11.6″

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Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Medium+	Medium+	Medium
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Easy	Easy	Easy
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Easy	Easy	Easy

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Nov – Jan (peak: Dec)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 11.6″

Companion Mag 9.6

Position Angle 12°

Star Colors A: Yellow-white B: Red

Discoverer H N 123

Notes

CPM.

Separation over time

Measured 1876 → 2016 (140 y)

Separation drift 11.3" → 11.6" (+0.30")

Rate +0.0021" / y

PA drift 18° → 12° (-6°, -0.043°/y)

Essentially fixed on human timescales — the same view your grandchildren will see.

Measured from the WDS observational archive. No orbital solution has been derived — most likely the period is too long to fit an orbit to the available measurement arc.