Centaurus represents Chiron, supposedly the wisest creature on the planet. Chiron was the Centaur that taught Hercules(and Iolus :-)), in the ways of fighting and the world. Unfortunately Hercules wounded Chiron accidentaly, and because Chiron was Immortal could not die, even though he was in great pain. He therefore asked Zeus to end his life which Zeus did but not before placing Chiron in the Stars.

Centaurus takes up quite a large section of sky and is half situated over the Milky Way. Unfortunately it is too far to the south to be seen from the UK.

The main star is Alpha Centauri the closest Star to our Solar system at a distance of 4.3 light years. It is the 3rd brightest star in the sky.

The best viewing to be had in Centaurus is perhaps omega Centauri, possibly the best globular cluster in the night sky. This is a large cluster with hundreds of thousands of stars. A 6 inch or greater telescope will give breathtaking views. Make sure to view with low magnification so that the outer stars are in view.

There is at least one splendid galaxy to view, NGC 5128, with many photographs being taken that show an amazing dust lane.

There is also NGC 3918 a planetary Nebula that resembles Neptune.