Gacrux
Also known as γ Cru · HR 4763
Gacrux is a high proper motion star in the constellation Crux, about 88.6 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | High proper motion star (spectral type M3.5III) |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Crux |
| Position (J2000) | 12h 31m 09s, −57° 06′ |
| Distance | 88.6 light-years (its light set off about 88.6 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 1.64 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 295 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
Gacrux is highest in the sky at midnight in March. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 13° above the horizon; from 50° N it never rises. To see it you need the naked eye, even from a town.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Crux
Everything in Crux · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits