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Centaurus
Centaurus (abbr. Cen, gen. Centauri) A large and prominent southern constellation, representing a centaur. Its brightest star, Alpha Centauri (Rigil Kentaurus or Toliman), is actually a triple star, one member of which, Proxima Centauri, is the closest star to the Sun. Beta Centauri (Hadar or Agena) is another bright star. Omega Centauri is the most prominent globular cluster in the sky, and NGC 5128 is a peculiar radio galaxy known as Centaurus A. NGC 3918 is a planetary nebula known as the Blue Planetary.
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"Centaurus." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Centaurus." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Centaurus.html "Centaurus." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Centaurus.html |
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Centaurus
Centaurus , 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. |
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"Centaurus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Centaurus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Centauru.html "Centaurus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Centauru.html |
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Centaurus
Centaurus (Centaur) Brilliant southern constellation representing a centaur. Its brightest star is Alpha Centauri.
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Cite this article
"Centaurus." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Centaurus." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Centaurus.html "Centaurus." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Centaurus.html |
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