SkyRef / Constellations

The Centaurus constellation

The Centaur. Best placed in January. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

Where and when

Also known asthe Centaur
Best monthJanuary
Right ascension13.3h
Declination-40°
Line segments4

Finding it

Centaurus, known in English as the Centaur, is centred near right ascension 13.3 hours, declination -40°. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

It reaches its highest point in the sky around local midnight in January, which is when it is easiest to pick out. Earlier in the year it rises before dawn; later, it is already setting in the evening.

Star patterns inside it

Not every shape people point out is a constellation. These are asterisms — patterns picked out of Centaurus by eye and by habit, with no official standing.

the Southern Pointers

See it on the live map

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Other constellations

AndromedaAntliaApusAquariusAquilaAraAriesAurigaBoötesCaelumCamelopardalisCancerCanes VenaticiCanis MajorCanis MinorCapricornusCarinaCassiopeiaCentaurusCepheusCetusChamaeleonCircinusColumbaComa BerenicesCorona AustrinaCorona BorealisCorvusCraterCruxCygnusDelphinusDoradoDracoEquuleusEridanusFornaxGeminiGrusHercules