Centaurus is a large constellation of the southern sky. With eight stars 1st and 2nd magnitude, it is very eye-catching. The main star α is the well-known triple system Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus), close to the sun.
Only the northernmost stars of Centaurus can be seen from central Europe, moving deep over the southern horizon in spring. In the Mediterranean the constellation was completely visible in antiquity.
| Centaurus | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Centaurus |
| Latin genitive | Centauri |
| Abbreviation | Cen |
| Brightest star | Rigil Kentaurus (α Centauri A) |
| Fully visible | 25° N to 90° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | February – April (small part) |
