Canes Venaticis


Canes Venatici is one of those obscure constellations introduced by Johannes Hevelius in 1690. It represents the two dogs Asterion and Chara, both held on a leash by Boötes as they chase the Great Bear around the North Pole.
Alpha Canum Venaticorum is popularly called Cor Caroli (Heart of Charles). Most sources give Edmund Halley the credit, naming it after King Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy in Britain in 1660. Some say that the reference was initially meant to commemorate Charles I, after his execution.

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