Gacrux - γ Crucis (gamma Crucis)

Gacrux, also designated as γ Crucis (gamma Crucis), is a variable and multiple giant star in the constellation of Crux.

Gacrux visual magnitude is 1.63, making it the 23th brightest star in the sky. Thanks to its high brightness, Gacrux is clearly visible when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.

The proper motion of Gacrux is 0.023 arcsec per year in Right Ascension and -0.262 arcsec per year in Declination and the associated displacement for the next 1000 years is represented with the red arrow.

Key facts about Gacrux

Celestial coordinates and finder chart of Gacrux

Gacrux is situated south of the celestial equator, as such, it is more easily visible from the southern hemisphere. Celestial coordinates for the J2000 equinox as well as galactic coordinates of Gacrux are provided in the following table:

The simplified sky map below shows the position of Gacrux in the sky:

Visibility of Gacrux from your location

Gacrux - γ Crucis (gamma Crucis) is currently not visible from Greenwich, United Kingdom edit_location_alt

Distance of Gacrux from the Sun and relative movement

Gacrux is distant 87.89 light years from the Sun and it is moving far from the Sun at the speed of 21 kilometers per second.

Spectral properties of Gacrux

Gacrux belongs to spectral class M3 and has a luminosity class of III corresponding to a giant star.

The red dot in the diagram below shows where Gacrux is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.

Gacrux star system properties

Gacrux is a visual double star which can be observed with the help of small or medium telescopes. The table below shows key information about the Gacrux double sysyem:

Alternative designations of Gacrux