Alpha centauri

Alpha Centauri is a star system located in the constellation of Centaurus. It is the closest star system to the Solar System, at a distance of approximately 4.37 light-years (1.34 parsecs). The system consists of three stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri.

Alpha Centauri A

Alpha Centauri A is the principal member or primary of the binary system. It is slightly larger and more luminous than the Sun. It is a G-type main-sequence star (G2V), indicating that it is a main-sequence star that is burning hydrogen in its core.

Alpha Centauri B

Alpha Centauri B is the secondary member of the binary system. It is slightly smaller and less luminous than the Sun. It is a K-type main-sequence star (K1V), indicating that it is a main-sequence star that is burning hydrogen in its core.

Proxima Centauri

Proxima Centauri is a small, low-mass star located approximately 4.24 light-years (1.30 parsecs) away from the Sun in the southern constellation of Centaurus. It is a red dwarf (M5.5Ve), which means it is a low-mass star that is currently fusing hydrogen in its core.

Planetary system

In 2016, an exoplanet in the habitable zone of Proxima Centauri was discovered. Named Proxima Centauri b, it is the closest known exoplanet to the Solar System and is potentially habitable.

Observation and exploration

Alpha Centauri is not visible from much of the northern hemisphere. However, it is very prominent in the southern hemisphere, where it is one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Several missions have been proposed to send unmanned spacecraft to the Alpha Centauri system.

See also

• List of nearest stars and brown dwarfs
• List of exoplanetary host stars
• Interstellar travel