Canis Major, known by the Greeks as one of Orion's hunting dogs, includes Sirius, the brightest star in the entire night sky. It appears brighter than all other stars because it's so close to earth, only 8.6 light years away. Sirius is the dog's neck, and the stars of its head are difficult to see against average town light pollution. But tonight was an excellent night for star viewing - clear skies, calm air, and the moon didn't rise until after 7:30 PM. It won't be long before our winter constellations are only visible in the middle of the night, so pick a clear, warmer night to go to the edge of town and see them rise in the eastern sky.
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