2006-09-14 12:40:17 · 6 answers · asked by ryoheisukichan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The two stars in the binary system of Alpha Centauri are known as Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B NOT as Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri (which distinguish two different stars/star systems in the constellation of Centaurus)
2006-09-14 15:36:49 · answer #1 · answered by Mint_Julip 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Greek letters usually indicates the brightest star within that constellation, but it is not the case. Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse) is slightly dimmer the beta Orionis (Rigel). The Arabs were the earliest known as being astronomers and they had made names for many of the stars.
2006-09-14 22:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by stardancerpoet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, Alpha will be the brightest star in the constellation, Beta the second brightest, Gamma the third...etc. It's not a hard rule and there are exceptions.
2006-09-14 19:45:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Uh, well, it tells you there are at least that many stars in the system.
For example, if you hear beta centauri, you know there are a minimum of two stars in that solar system.
2006-09-14 19:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by Sinai 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Most stars are named within a constellation in order of brightness. Most.
2006-09-14 19:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i do not know
2006-09-17 08:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by david w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋