Centaurus is an ancient constellation, and one of two centaurs in the night sky. Centaurs are creatures that are half-man and half-horse. According to legend Centaurus is supposed to represent, Chiron a gentle and intellectual centaur. He was the teacher of many of the heroes of ancient legends, including Hercules, Achilles, and Jason. The constellation lies low in the sky and is impossible to see from most of the United States. It contains within it the closest star, other than the sun, to the solar system, Proxima Centauri. This is a companion star to Rigel Kentaurus, also known as Alpha Centauri.