The Constellation Of Centaurus
by Noel T. Munford/science Photo Library
Title
The Constellation Of Centaurus
Artist
Noel T. Munford/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The constellation of Centaurus, the centaur. Centaurus is one of the most prominent of the southern constellations, containing many bright stars. The brightest star in the image (lower left) is Alpha Centauri (also know as Rigel Kent). Alpha Centauri is in fact a multiple star system containing three stars, all orbiting one another. One of these, the red dwarf flare star Proxima Centauri, is the closest star to Earth, lying only 4.2 light years away. The starry band of the Milky Way runs across the lower half of the image. The Centaur was probably named by the ancient Greeks, but unlike the warlike centaur of Sagittarius, he is portrayed as a wise teacher. See Observing the constellations", page 56."
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September 12th, 2018
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