"The Centaur"
Mythology:
In general, Centaurs were half-human and half-horse. Throughout most
of mythology, Centaurs were troublemakers who enjoyed drink, mischief,
and mayhem. Besides this particular constellation, there is another
famous Centaur in the sky -- Sagittarius. This constellation however
depicts the leader of the Centaurs -- Chiron.
Chiron is a Centaur because of his parents -- Cronus, leader of the older
Titans, and the Sea Nymph Philyra. When Rhea (Cronus' wife) discovered
the infidelity, Cronus changed himself into a horse to avoid recognition.
Because of this transformation, the child conceived by Philyra was born
half-horse. This was Chiron. Chiron was a wise academic, and
as a result became an excellent teacher. Many young Greek heroes
would visit his cave to be taught by him. Among his students were
Jason (who sought the golden fleece of Aries), Achilles (hero of the Trojan
War), and Asclepius (who became the constellation Ophiuchus, the Serpent
Wrestler).
The story of Chiron tells of how, one day, Hercules visited another Centaur
named Pholus, who offered Hercules a cup of wine from the Centaurs' vat.
This action angered the other Centaurs, who attacked Hercules. Hercules
fought them off with his bow and arrows, but unfortunately, one arrow hit
Chiron (who was not involved in the riots) in his knee. Since the
arrows of Hercules were poisoned with the blood of Hydra, Chiron died.
Because of his peaceful ways, Chiron was placed in the stars by the Gods.
Other Interesting
Sights: Most people are familiar with this constellation
because it contains the Alpha Centaurus triple star system. Although
it is the third brightest star (actually, three stars) in the sky, they
are the closest -- Proxima Centauri is 4.3 light years away. The
globular cluster Omega Centauri, NGC5139, is a spectacular globular cluster
within this constellation easily seen with the naked eye.
Note: Since this constellation is in the Southern Hemisphere, neither
the globular cluster nor the nearest stars can be seen from Tennessee.
The Omega Centauri Globular Cluster -- NGC5139