Canopus, the second-brightest star in the sky, as viewed from the International Space Station.
Click on image for full size
NASA / JSC / D.Pettit

Canopus

What's in a Name: The name of the pilot of Menelaus' fleet.
Claim to Fame: Second brightest star in the night sky behind Sirius.
Type of Star: Yellow-white Supergiant
How Far Away: 1,200 light years away
How Bright: About 100,000 times brighter than the Sun!
Where to View: In the constellation Carina the Keel
When to View:All year round in the Southern Hemisphere

Last modified April 28, 2005 by Travis Metcalfe.

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