One of a group of small solar system bodies known as centaurs. Discovered by Charles Kowal in 1977 at Mount Palomar. In 1988 a tail was observed, so it is thought to be a comet.

In later myths he was one of the centaurs, but unlike his evil race, he was kind, wise and benevolent, and possessed much knowledge in the arts of healing.

He was the tutor of many a hero, including Heracles, Achilles, Theseus and Asclepius, who later became the god of healing himself.