Etymology and nomenclature α Centauri (Latinised to Alpha Centauri) is the system's designation given by J. Bayer in 1603. It belongs to the constellation Centaurus, named after the half human, half horse creature in Greek mythology. Heracles accidentally wounded the centaur and placed him in the sky after his death. Alpha Centauri marks the right front hoof of the Centaur. The common name Rigil Kentaurus is a Latinisation of the Arabic translation Rijl al-Qinṭūrus, meaning "the Foot of the Centaur". Qinṭūrus is the Arabic transliteration of the Greek (Kentaurus). The name is frequently abbreviated to Rigil Kent () or even Rigil, though the latter name is better known for Rigel ( Orionis).
Etymology! and nomenclature α Centauri (Latinised to Alpha Centauri) is the system's designation given by J. Bayer in 1603. It belongs to the constellation Centaurus, named after the half human, half horse creature in Greek mythology. Heracles accidentally wounded the centaur and placed him in the sky after his death. Alpha Centauri marks the right front hoof of the Centaur. The common name Rigil Kentaurus is a Latinisation of the Arabic translation Rijl al-Qinṭūrus, meaning "the Foot o.f the Centaur". Qinṭūrus is the Arabic transliteration of the Greek (Kentaurus). The name is frequently abbreviated to Rigil Kent () or even Rigil, though the latter name i!s better known for Rigel ( Orionis)