Other Names:
- Proxima
- Proxima Centauri
- Alpha Centauri C
Data:
- Right Ascension: 14 29 41
- Declination: -62 40 46
- Apparent Magnitude: 11.05
- Absolute Magnitude: 15.5
- Distance: 4.2 LY
- Spectral Type: M5.5Vc
Constellation:
Proxima Centauri Information:
The closest star to our our own solar system will not always be closest, but it will be a long time before that changes. Proxima Centauri is the third star in the Alpha Centauri star system. Also known as Alpha Centauri C, it circles its two companions at about 930 billion miles. This orbit takes millions of years, but will eventually carry Proxima far enough that its companions,collectively known as Rigel Kentaurus, will be closer. It is a red dwarf star, much smaller and cooler than the Sun. Proxima Centauri is in the constellation Centaurus.