Alpha Centauri A

English

Alternative forms

• α-Centauri A

Etymology

From α (brightest) + Centauri ("of the constellation Centaurus")

Proper noun

Alpha Centauri A

1. (astronomy) The brightest star in the southern constellation of Centaurus. Alpha Centauri is actually a binary star with Alpha Centauri C or Proxima Centauri as a third component. Alpha Centauri A is the brightest star of the system and is somewhat brighter than our sun. Alpha Centauri B is somewhat fainter than Alpha Centauri A but much brighter than Proxima Centauri.