Canopus is the brightest star in the southern constellation of Carina, and is located near the western edge of the constellation around 310 light-years from the Sun. Its proper name is generally considered to originate from the mythological Canopus, who was a navigator for Menelaus, king of Sparta.

Magnitude: -0.72

Distance to Earth: 309.8 light years

Surface temperature: 7,350 K

Radius: 30.692 million mi

Constellation: Carina

Did you know: Canopus is part of the Scorpius-Centaurus Association, a group of stars which share similar origins.