Centaurus constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Centaurus (Cen) is a southern constellation covering 1,060 square degrees, number 9 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is Rigil Kentaurus, a yellow main-sequence star, magnitude 0.0. It is best seen in the evening in June. Over London it stays low — you need an open southern horizon. Its neighbours in the sky: Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Lupus, Musca, Vela.
Area: 1,060 square degrees, 9 of 88 · Neighbours: Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux, Hydra, Lupus, Musca, Vela · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Centaurus
- 1
When to look
The best time is in June in the evening: —.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Antlia, Carina, Circinus, Crux.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Rigil Kentaurus (0.0ᵐ), Hadar (0.6ᵐ), Menkent (2.1ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | not visible, behind the Sun |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Rigil Kentaurus · α¹ Cen | yellow main-sequence star | 0.0ᵐ |
| Hadar · β Cen | blue-white giant | 0.6ᵐ |
| Menkent · θ Cen | orange giant | 2.1ᵐ |
| γ Cen | white subgiant | 2.2ᵐ |
| ε Cen | blue-white giant | 2.3ᵐ |
| η Cen | blue-white main-sequence star | 2.3ᵐ |
| Leepwal · ζ Cen | blue-white subgiant | 2.5ᵐ |
| δ Cen | blue-white subgiant | 2.6ᵐ |
Centaurus FAQ
When is the best time to see Centaurus?
Where is Centaurus in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Centaurus?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0