Acrux (α Cru)

Acrux (α Cru) is a double star in the constellation Crux, magnitude 1.3.

The brightest star of the Southern Cross, splitting into two blue-white stars. Its components (magnitudes 1.3 and 1.6; spectral types B0.5 V (blue-white) and B1 V (blue-white)) lie 3.5″ apart at PA 111° (measured 2024).

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around April, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in March). It can be seen from everywhere south of 27°N and never sets south of 27°S.

At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 27° up from the equator, 62° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Double star

Constellation

Crux

Designations

α Cru, Alpha Crucis, α¹ Cru, Alpha¹ Crucis, DUN 252, HIP 60718

Magnitude

1.3

Position

RA 12h 26.6m, Dec −63° 6′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Acrux (α Cru) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.