Visualize in real time the position of the Centaurus constellation in the sky.
General presentation
The constellation of Centaurus is one of the largest constellations in the southern sky. Visible mainly from the southern hemisphere, it is famous for housing Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to the Sun, as well as Beta Centauri, another very bright star. The constellation is also known to contain the globular cluster Omega Centauri, the largest globular cluster visible from Earth.
Shape of the Centaurus constellation
The constellation of Centaurus takes the form of a centaur, its many stars draw an extended silhouette where one can distinguish the body of the horse, the torso and the limbs. This figure is relatively complex, but Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri serve as excellent landmarks to reconstruct the general shape of the centaur in the southern sky.
Stars of the Centaurus constellation
Star
Magnitude
Distance
Equatorial position J2000
Current Equatorial Position
Current Horizontal Position at Marseille
Link
Alpha Centauri A
-0.01
4.365 light years
Right ascension : 14ʰ39ᵐ35.88ˢ Declination : -60°50'35.88″
Right ascension : 14ʰ41ᵐ40.6086240275ˢ Declination : -61°0′42.0189313341″