Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus)
Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus) is a double star in the constellation Centaurus, magnitude 0.0.
The nearest star system to the Sun: two Sun-like stars in a mutual orbit. Its components (magnitudes 0.0 and 1.3; spectral types G2 V (yellow) and K1 V (orange)) lie 9.77″ apart at PA 14° (predicted for 2027.0 from its 79.8-year orbit).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around June, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in May). It can be seen from everywhere south of 29°N and never sets south of 29°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 29° up from the equator, 64° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Double star
- Constellation
- Centaurus
- Designations
- Rigil Kentaurus, α Cen, α¹ Cen, Alpha¹ Centauri, RHD 1, HIP 71683
- Magnitude
- 0.0
- Position
- RA 14h 39.6m, Dec −60° 50′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.