Epsilon Centauri — Star in Centaurus
About Epsilon Cen
Description
Epsilon Centauri is a hot blue giant of spectral type B1III at magnitude 2.30 in Centaurus. Located about 380 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 15,000 times solar and a surface temperature of about 24,000 K. It is a Beta Cephei variable, pulsating slightly over several hours.
Observing Tips
Epsilon Cen lies in the body of Centaurus, between the brilliant Alpha/Beta pointer pair and the more northerly stars. It is a bright blue-white star in a rich area of the southern Milky Way. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and very low northern latitudes. Best observed March through July.
History
Epsilon Centauri has no traditional proper name. It is a member of the Lower Centaurus-Crux subgroup of the Scorpius-Centaurus OB association, one of the nearest regions of recent massive star formation to the Sun.
Fun Facts
As a member of the Scorpius-Centaurus association, Epsilon Cen is part of a vast stellar nursery that has been producing massive stars for millions of years. The association includes many of the bright blue stars scattered across Centaurus, Crux, and Lupus.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
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Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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