Alpha Centauri

:This article is about the star system. For the computer game, see Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.

Names

It bears the proper name Rigil Kentaurus (often shortened to Rigil Kent), derived from the Arabic phrase Al Rijl al Kentaurus, meaning "foot of the centaur," but is nonetheless usually referred to by its Bayer designation Alpha Centauri. Another alternative name is Toliman from a Hebrew word meaning "the heretofore and the hereafter". It is also sometimes known as Bungula, possibly from the Latin word ungula meaning "hoof". It and Beta Centauri (nearby as seen in the Earth's night skies, but actually many light-years away) are the "Pointers" to the Southern Cross.

Related Topics:
Arabic - Bayer designation - Hebrew - Latin - Beta Centauri - Southern Cross

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Alpha Centauri A is also known as HD 128620, HR 5459, CP-60°5483, GCTP 3309.00A, and LHS 50.

Related Topics:
Alpha Centauri A - HD - HR - CP-60°5483 - GCTP - LHS

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Alpha Centauri B is also known as HD 128621, HR 5460, GCTP 3309.00B, and LHS 51.

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