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Gacrux

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description Gacrux Overview

Gacrux, designated Gamma Crucis, is a red giant star that marks the top of the Southern Cross (Crux) constellation. With an apparent magnitude of approximately 1.6, it is among the brightest stars in the southern celestial hemisphere. Located roughly 88 light-years from the Sun, Gacrux is classified as an M4 III giant and exhibits irregular variability in brightness. It is the nearest red giant star to our solar system.

The star forms part of the prominent cross-shaped asterism used for navigation in the Southern Hemisphere.

help Gacrux FAQ

Where is Gacrux in the Southern Cross?

Gacrux, or Gamma Crucis, forms the top of the cross-shaped constellation Crux. Acrux marks the bottom, so the line from Gacrux through Acrux helps indicate the general direction of the south celestial pole.

Why does Gacrux look red compared with the other Southern Cross stars?

Gacrux is a cool M-type red giant, while several other prominent Crux stars are much hotter and bluer. Its surface temperature gives it a visibly orange-red tint under a dark sky.

How far away is Gacrux?

Gacrux is about 88 light-years from Earth, making it unusually nearby for a red giant visible to the naked eye. It is commonly described as the nearest red giant to the Solar System.

Does Gacrux visibly change brightness?

It is classified as a low-amplitude irregular or semiregular variable, so its brightness changes are subtle rather than dramatic. Casual observers generally see it as a stable second-magnitude star.

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