Crux
The southern cross. Genitive Crucis, abbreviated Cru. Introduced by Plancius.
Area
68.51 sq°
88 of 88 by size
Brightest star
β Crucis
magnitude 1.25
Best seen
March
on the meridian at midnight
Visible from
34°N to 90°S
some part above the horizon
Where it is
Principal stars
Every star to magnitude 4, brightest first.
| Star | Magnitude | HR |
|---|---|---|
| β Crucis | 1.25 | 4853 |
| α1 Crucis | 1.33 | 4730 |
| γ Crucis | 1.63 | 4763 |
| α2 Crucis | 1.73 | 4731 |
| δ Crucis | 2.80 | 4656 |
| ε Crucis | 3.59 | 4700 |
Deep sky
Objects with a Messier number or a name people use.
| Object | Catalogue | Type | Magnitude | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jewel Box | NGC 4755 | Open cluster | 4.2 | 10.0 |
- Magnitude: — where NGC 2000 gives none.
- Size: the largest dimension, in arcminutes.
My Sky
Rise, highest and set over your place, for any night: Crux
Further info
Sources
Principal stars: Bright Star Catalogue
Deep sky: NGC 2000.0
Area and borders: IAU constellation boundaries
