What it looks like
Centaurus is one of the largest and brightest southern constellations, drawn as a centaur. It contains Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to the Sun at 4.4 light-years, and Omega Centauri, the largest and brightest globular cluster in the sky. Its stars help point the way to Crux, the Southern Cross.
Brightest stars
Centaurus contains two first-magnitude stars, Alpha and Beta Centauri, that together act as pointers to the Southern Cross.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus) | -0.27 | 4 ly | Foot of the Centaur |
| Hadar (β Centauri) | +0.61 | 390 ly | — |
| Menkent (θ Centauri) | +2.06 | 59 ly | — |
| Muhlifain (γ Centauri) | +2.20 | 130 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Centaurus is usually identified with Chiron, the wise and gentle centaur who tutored Achilles, Jason and Asclepius.
Chiron the teacher
Unlike the other centaurs, who were wild and violent, Chiron was wise, kind and skilled in medicine, music and prophecy. He tutored many Greek heroes, including Achilles, Jason, Asclepius and Heracles. Wounded accidentally by one of Heracles's poisoned arrows, he suffered an unhealable wound but, being immortal, could not die. He eventually gave up his immortality to release Prometheus from his torment, and Zeus placed him among the stars as reward for his sacrifice.
How to find it
Look for the two bright Pointers — Alpha and Beta Centauri — in the southern sky, then follow them to the Southern Cross.
- Alpha Centauri is the fourth-brightest star in the entire night sky.
- Look for Omega Centauri as a fuzzy patch with the naked eye.
- Only visible from tropical and southern latitudes.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Cen
- Genitive
- Centauri
- Meaning
- The Centaur
- Brightest star
- Alpha Centauri
- Main stars
- 12
- Area rank
- 9th
- Best visible
- May
- Declination
- -50°
- Meteor showers
- —
- Neighbours
- Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Libra, Lupus, Musca, Vela, Virgo
Deep-sky objects
Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) is the largest and brightest globular cluster orbiting the Milky Way, containing about 10 million stars. Centaurus A (NGC 5128) is one of the nearest active galaxies, and the constellation also contains the spiral galaxy NGC 4945.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Centaurus look like?
Centaurus is a large southern constellation known as the Centaur, home to Alpha Centauri — the nearest star system to the Sun — and the giant globular cluster Omega Centauri.
What is the brightest star in Centaurus?
The brightest star in Centaurus is Alpha Centauri, shining at around magnitude -0.27.
When is Centaurus best visible?
Centaurus is best seen from southern hemisphere during May.
What is the story behind Centaurus?
In Greek myth, Centaurus is usually identified with Chiron, the wise and gentle centaur who tutored Achilles, Jason and Asclepius.
Which constellations are near Centaurus?
Centaurus borders Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Libra, Lupus, Musca, Vela and Virgo.
Crux
Lupus