Centaurus – The Centaur

 Centaurus is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Centaurus is one 17 of the constellations that represents a mythical character.

Symbolism: Centaurus is also known as ‘The Centaur’

History & Mythology

Centaurus has been known by many different cultures and represents many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Centaurus represents a Centaur called Chiron, and half man, half horse,  who taught gods and heroes in a cave on Mount Pelion. Centaurus is quite a large constellation in the night sky, and is the 9th largest of all the constellations in the celestial sphere.   

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Centaurus is bordered by constellations Vela, Antila, Musca, Carina, Lupus, Circinus, Libra, Crux & Hydra.

Sky Chart #: 5.

Star Raking: 9th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Centaurus consists of 11 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Centauri.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Centaurus has 15 stars with planets.  

# 2. Proxima Centauri is the nearest star to our sun in the triple star system of Alpha Centauri.

# 3. Alpha Centauri is the brightest star in Centaurus.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Centaurus also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Centaurus have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Centaurus?

Q. How many stars have planets in Centaurus?

Q. What number star ranking is Centaurus in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Centaurus Constellation here: Centaurus (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more information on the Centaurus Constellation visit www.osr.org/Centaurus