Centaurus

Cen
Rank: #9
1060 sq. deg.

Centaurus () is a bright constellation in the southern sky. One of the largest constellations, Centaurus was included among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. In Greek mythology, Centaurus represents a centaur; a creature that is half human, half horse (another constellation named after a centaur is one from the zodiac: Sagittarius).

IAU constellation map showing the boundaries and main stars

Centaurus

Genitive Centauri
Symbolism the Centaurus
Right ascension 13h 00m 00s
Declination -50° 00' 00"
Area 1060 sq. deg.
Area rank 9th
Brightest star Rigil Kentaurus (mag -0.27)

Deep-Sky Objects Summary

31
Brightest Stars
21
Open Clusters
3
Globular Clusters
30
Galaxies
0
Nebulae

Brightest Stars

Designation Name Apparent magnitude Right ascension Declination Spectral type

Globular Clusters

Designation Name Apparent magnitude Right ascension Declination Angular size

Galaxies

Designation Name Apparent magnitude Right ascension Declination Type