The Crux constellation
Cru · Catalogue stars: 14
Why this name?
Four bright stars form a distinctive cross. The name ‘Southern Cross’ describes both its shape and its position in the southern sky.
A little history
In the ancient catalogue, these stars belonged to Centaurus. During the age of long sea voyages, the Cross came to be treated separately; it served as a guide for travellers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Data
- IAU code
- Cru
- Catalogue stars
- 14
- Messier objects
- 0
- Brightest star
- Acrux · 0.8ᵐ
Stars
Stars (HIP)
- HIP 63003 · 4.0ᵐ · B2IV-V
- HIP 60009 · 4.1ᵐ · B2.5V
- HIP 59072 · 4.1ᵐ · F2III
- HIP 58758 · 4.3ᵐ · Am
- HIP 62327 · 4.6ᵐ · B3V
- HIP 63007 · 4.6ᵐ · B4Vn
- HIP 62268 · 4.7ᵐ · K1III
- HIP 58867 · 4.7ᵐ · B2IV
- HIP 61966 · 4.9ᵐ · B6IV
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | never rises | — |
| +55° | never rises | — |
| +45° | never rises | — |
| +30° | never rises | — |
| 0° | 29° | 151° |
| −35° | 64° · never sets | — |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 04:44 |
| February | 02:37 |
| March | 00:52 |
| April | 22:58 |
| May | 21:04 |
| June | 18:58 |
| July | 16:54 |
| August | 14:53 |
| September | 13:00 |
| October | 11:11 |
| November | 09:10 |
| December | 07:02 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.
Neighbouring constellations
In brief
Which is the brightest star in Crux?
Acrux — 0.8ᵐ.