Definition: Alpha Centauri is a star system, and is widely believed to be the closest to the solar system at a distance of 4.37 light years. The star system is constituted of three stars, which include Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Alpha Centauri C, which is often referred to as Proxima Centauri.
Description: The first reference to this star system can be traced to the year 1592, when an explorer, Robert Hues, drew attention to the same through his study. It was only in 1689 that the binary nature of the system was recognized. Recent studies have shed a lot of light on this star system, and studies over the past decade have revealed a number of interesting facts about Alpha Centauri. Recent findings point at possible planetary mass in the vicinity of the star system, fueling speculation about the existence of a planetary system. In fact, in 2012, a research pointed at the existence of possible Earth-mass in the Alpha Centauri system, and a planet like body is believed to be revolving around the host star, much like the Earth revolves around the sun. It is believed that the system is home to at least one planet which is similar in size to earth, and is known as Alpha Centauri Bb. The star system is known by several other names - Toliman and Rigil Kent being the most-commonly used ones. The system can be observed by the unaided eye, and can be distinguished as one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
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