The Alpha Centauri system is actually a group of three stars: Proxima Centauri, and Alpha Centauri A and B. Proxima Centauri is the dimmest of the three, and is actually the closest star to the Earth. Alpha Centauri A and B are a close binary pair. The Alpha Centauri system is at a distance of about 4.3 light years from the Earth.
Credit: MSX/IPAC/NASA