3 Dog Constellations You Can See in the Lowcountry Night Sky

MAN’S BEST FRIEND HAS ALWAYS HAD A PLACE IN THE HEAVENS

STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM

On a clear Lowcountry night, when the breeze carries a hint of salt and the tide glimmers, look up. Beyond the palms and live oaks, you might spot Orion, the Big Dipper or passing airplanes. But if you linger a little longer, you’ll find man’s best friend shining among the stars. Nearly half of the 88 official constellations are animals, with several of them being dogs. Faithful, guiding and forever by our side, these celestial canines have earned their place in the heavens and in the hearts of stargazers everywhere.

The big dog

Canis Major Known as the “Greater Dog,” this constellation is the top dog of the night sky. To the Greeks, it was Laelaps, the magical hound of Zeus, or Orion’s loyal hunting companion chasing a hare. To find Canis Major, trace Orion’s belt downward until you reach Sirius, the Dog Star, the brightest star of all, marking the hound’s gleaming neck. On a cool winter night over the marsh, Sirius sparkles like a reflection on the May River.

The hunting hounds

Canes Venatici These lesser-known pups belong to Boötes the herdsman, whose hounds Asterion and Chara chase the Great Bear, Ursa Major, across the northern sky. Thanks to a translation mix-up long ago, Boötes’s club became a pair of dogs, and the story stuck. Look for them between the Big Dipper’s handle and the golden light of Arcturus in spring, best seen from a quiet dock when the air is still.

The dog stars

Sirius and Procyon The brightest duo in the heavens, Sirius and Procyon have long marked the changing of the seasons. The ancients called Sirius the “Scorcher,” believing its rise brought the dog days of summer. Here in the South those sweltering days still make dogs stretch out in the shade, proof that some legends live on.