SkyMate
Constellation · best in September evenings

Grus

The Crane · Genitive Gruis · Gru
Not above the horizon after darkNever rises from London
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Where is Grus?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon from London all the time.

Rises
Never
Highest
—
Sets
—
Best after dark
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How to find Grus

Nearby constellations include Piscis Austrinus and Indus.

Its center is at right ascension 22h 40m, declination −45°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Alnair

Best time to see Grus

Grus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in September. 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 32° N to 90° S.

Grus 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 Grus

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

Grus (genitive Gruis, abbreviated Gru) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star in Grus.

Brightest stars and objects in Grus

Questions

When is Grus visible?
Grus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in September. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.
Can I see Grus from where I live?
All of Grus rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 32° N to 90° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.