Crux constellation

Crux is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the southern cross. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 31 March, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 27°N to 90°S.

AcruxMimosaGacruxMake a star map with constellations

Crux at a glance

Represents
the southern cross
Highest at midnight
31 March
Highest at 9 pm
14 May
Seen whole from
27°N to 90°S
Brightest star
Acrux
Stars in the figure
4 stars
Origin
16th or 17th century

When to see Crux

Crux is highest in the sky at midnight around 31 March and at 9 pm around 14 May. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.

When Crux is highest each month
DateHighest at
15 January4:50 am
15 February2:50 am
15 March1:00 am
15 April11:00 pm
15 May9:00 pm
15 June7:00 pm
15 July5:00 pm
15 August3:00 pm
15 September12:50 pm
15 October11:00 am
15 November8:50 am
15 December7:00 am

Where to look for Crux

From the northern hemisphere

From 40°N, Crux never rises. You need to be south of 33°N to see any of it.

From the southern hemisphere

From 35°S, Crux never sets. It circles the pole and is highest around midnight on 31 March, 65° above the southern horizon.

Brightest stars in Crux

The brightest stars in Crux
StarMagnitude
Acrux0.77
Mimosa1.25
Gacrux1.59

Crux in myth and history

Crux, the Southern Cross, is the smallest of the 88 constellations. It appears on the flags of Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

European astronomers added Crux in the 16th or 17th century.

Constellations next to Crux

Find Crux in your sky

Questions about Crux