Encyclopedia >  Science and Technology  >  Astronomy and Space Exploration  >  Constellations

Centaurus

Centaurus (sĕntôrˈəs) [key], southern constellation located N and E of Crux, the Southern Cross. It is known especially for its bright stars Alpha Centauri and Hadar. It also contains Centaurus A, a radio galaxy, as well as a globular star cluster visible to the naked eye. Centaurus reaches its highest point in the evening sky in May.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

More on Centaurus from Fact Monster:

  • centaur - centaur centaur , in Greek mythology, creature, half man and half horse. The centaurs were fathered ...
  • Hadar, in astronomy - Hadar Hadar or Beta Centauri, bright star in the constellation Centaurus; 1992 position R.A. ...
  • Alpha Centauri - Alpha Centauri Alpha Centauri , brightest star in the constellation Centaurus and 3d-brightest star ...
  • white dwarf - white dwarf white dwarf, in astronomy, a type of star that is abnormally faint for its white-hot ...
  • Encyclopedia: Constellations - Encyclopeadia articles concerning Constellations.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Constellations