Constellation · best in April evenings

Crux

The Southern Cross · Genitive Crucis · Cru

Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London

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Where is Crux?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises: Never
Highest: —
Sets: —
Best after dark: —

How to find Crux

Nearby constellations include Musca, Centaurus, Carina and Hydra.

Its center is at right ascension 12h 30m, declination −60°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Acrux

Best time to see Crux

Crux is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in April. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 24° N to 90° S.

Crux never rises from London: it is too far south in the sky for this latitude.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Crux

Eyes

Its brightest star, undefined, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Crux (genitive Crucis, abbreviated Cru) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 3 named stars in Crux.

Brightest stars and objects in Crux

Questions

When is Crux visible?

Crux is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in April. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Crux from where I live?

All of Crux rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 24° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itAcrux Star in itMimosa Star in itGacrux Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences