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Alpha Centauri

The closest star system to the Sun, at a distance of more than four light-years, Alpha Centauri consists of three stars. Two of the stars — one of which is similar to the Sun, while the other is a little smaller and cooler — form a tight pairing. The third, known as Proxima Centauri, is about one-tenth of a light-year from the other two, and is a red dwarf star. It is closer to Earth than the other two stars, but it is so faint that it is not visible to the unaided eye.

Resources

Facts and Figures June 10, 2010

Radio Programs

Making Triplets Confirming that our neighbors are triplets June 3, 2022

The Centaur Treasures in a southern constellation June 1, 2022

Alpha Centauri Planets Looking for close neighbors June 10, 2020

Alpha Centauri Putting three stars on the scales June 9, 2020

A ‘Proximate’ Orbit Making three stars a family April 25, 2017

Featured Images

Artist's concept of Alpha Centauri A and B, plus a planet

Busy Neighbor May 25, 2015