γ Centauri (gamma Centauri)
γ Centauri is a multiple sub-giant star in the constellation of Centaurus.
γ Centauri visual magnitude is 2.17. Thanks to its high brightness, γ Centauri is clearly visible when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.
The proper motion of γ Centauri is -0.189 arcsec per year in Right Ascension and -0.005 arcsec per year in Declination and the associated displacement for the next 1000 years is represented with the red arrow.
Key facts about γ Centauri
γ Centauri (gamma Centauri) is below the horizon from Greenwich, United Kingdom .
Altitude: -60.8°
Azimuth: 103.6°
Direction: East-South-East
Celestial coordinates and finder chart of γ Centauri
γ Centauri is situated south of the celestial equator, as such, it is more easily visible from the southern hemisphere. Celestial coordinates for the J2000 equinox as well as galactic coordinates of γ Centauri are provided in the following table:
The simplified sky map below shows the position of γ Centauri in the sky:
Visibility of γ Centauri from your location
Location: Greenwich, United Kingdom
Latitude: 51° 28’ 47” N
Longitude: 0° 00’ 00” E
Timezone: Europe/London
γ Centauri (gamma Centauri) is currently not visible from Greenwich, United Kingdom
Distance of γ Centauri from the Sun and relative movement
γ Centauri is distant 130.35 light years from the Sun and it is moving towards the Sun at the speed of 6 kilometers per second.
Spectral properties of γ Centauri
γ Centauri belongs to spectral class A1 and has a luminosity class of IV corresponding to a sub-giant star.
The red dot in the diagram below shows where γ Centauri is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
γ Centauri star system properties
γ Centauri is a visual double star which can be observed with the help of medium or large telescopes. The table below shows key information about the γ Centauri double sysyem: