Grus

Grus is a southern constellation representing a crane. Its brightest star Alnair is a blue-white star of magnitude 1.7. The constellation contains several interesting galaxy pairs and the Spare Tyre Nebula (IC 5148). It is best viewed from southern latitudes during October.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Grus is best observed during October. It is located in the SQ4 quadrant and is primarily visible from the southern hemisphere. The constellation contains 8 main stars forming its asterism, with 13 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alnair.

Mythology & History

Grus was introduced by Dutch navigators Keyser and de Houtman in the late 16th century. The constellation represents a crane, a large wading bird. Before Grus was established, its stars were considered part of Piscis Austrinus. It appeared on Plancius's celestial globe of 1598 and in Bayer's Uranometria of 1603.