Gacrux – a bright, red dwarf star within the Cru constellation. It is located at a distance of approximately 32,680 Light-Weeks, and is currently visible to the naked eye. The coordinates for Gacrux are RA 187.7914°, Dec -57.1132°, and its visual magnitud

Gacrux is recognised as a distinctive celestial feature due to its unique position and subtle luminosity within the Milky Way. Its apparent brightness – approximately 1.59 – suggests it is relatively young and still being actively formed. Considering its close proximity to the center of the Cru constellation, the star offers a relatively stable, albeit faint, point of light that’s easily distinguishable against the ambient starry background. It provides a steady beacon, a little warmer than many of the wider-area stars.

The compelling characteristic of Gacrux – and the reason for it being remembered in the sky – is its inherent luminosity despite its small size. Stars like Gacrux are relatively common within our galaxy, representing a stable source of radiation compared to some less stable stars. These factors contributed to its historical significance, shaping astronomical observations and adding to the perceived importance of the stellar system of the Cru constellation.

Given its existence as a dim, low-luminosity star, Gacrux has, perhaps, also found a place in the human imagination, quietly whispering about enduring beauty and timelessness.

How to see it

Gacrux has a visual magnitude of about 1.59: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Gacrux: right ascension 12h 31m 10s, declination −57° 6′ 48″ (J2000), in the region of the Crux constellation (IAU figure Cru).

Crux — Explore by constellation

Catalog context

Gacrux. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation Gam Cru, HIP 61084, HD 108903, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-61084. In the SkyKeepsake Crux (Cru) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia

Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-61084

HIP

61084

HD

108903

gaia_dr3

HYG-HIP-61084

Bayer / Flamsteed

Gam Cru

Also known as

• Gaia DR3 TOP 5M HYG-HIP-61084
• Gam Cru
• HD 108903
• HIP 61084
• HYG-HIP-61084

Observed properties

Visual magnitude

1.59