Observing a Far-Southern Star

Name the 2nd brightest star in the sky.  Most northern sky watchers would say Arcturus.  The 2nd brightest star, however is the southern star Canopus, in the asterism Argo Navis.  Why is this star not well known to observers from mid-northern latitudes?  Altitude.  The star passes only five degrees above the horizon from latitude 35 north.  But, with a clear horizon, you can easily see the golden star, far below Orion as shown on the below chart.  This star is actually the best kept secret of the sky!  These late February evenings, at around 8:00 PM, the star shines low above the horizon, almost

looking like a distant terestrial light.  So now you know:  The 2nd brightest star in the sky is Canopus, and it is visible from mid-northern latitudes!