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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

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

The Llama The sparkling eyes of the llama May 25, 2016

Alpha Centauri Planet Taking the measure of a planet September 11, 2015

Proxima Centauri Discovering our closest neighbor September 9, 2015

Alpha Centauri Putting three stars on the scales May 24, 2015

Featured Images

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

Busy Neighbor May 25, 2015
Artist's depiction of planet orbiting Alpha Centauri B

Close Neighbor April 21, 2013