Crux constellation

Crux is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the southern cross. It is highest in the sky at midnight around March 31, 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
March 31
Highest at 9 pm
May 14
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 March 31 and at 9 pm around May 14. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.

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

When Crux is highest each month
DateHighest at
January 154:50 a.m.
February 152:50 a.m.
March 151:00 a.m.
April 1511:00 p.m.
May 159:00 p.m.
June 157:00 p.m.
July 155:00 p.m.
August 153:00 p.m.
September 1512:50 p.m.
October 1511:00 a.m.
November 158:50 a.m.
December 157:00 a.m.

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 March 31, 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