What is Alpha Centauri?

Alpha Centauri is a system of stars which is closest to the Solar System i.e. about 4.37 light years from Sun. It is comprised of three stars namely;

• Alpha Centauri A (Rigil Kentaurus)
• Alpha Centauri B which mostly forms the binary star Alpha Centauri AB
• Alpha Centauri C (Proxima Centauri)

It was in 1592 when Robert Hues mentioned it in his study and it was in 1689, the binary nature of the system was found. A study in 2012, found the possible existence of an Earth-mass in the system and a planetary body moving around the host star. There is believed to be the presence of a planet named Alpha Centauri Bb which is similar to the mass of the Earth. The system of stars is also known as Toliman and Rigil Kent. Alpha Centauri can be seen with the naked eye as one of the brightest stars in night sky.