1.64
Apparent Mag88.6
Distance (ly)M3.5III
Spectral Type3,626
Temperature (K)Gacrux is the third-brightest star in Crux and a red giant. It marks the top of the Southern Cross and is the closest red giant to the Sun.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude1.64
Absolute Magnitude-0.56
Distance88.6 light-years
Spectral TypeM3.5III
Temperature3,626 K
Luminosity820 L☉
Radius84 R☉
Mass1.3 M☉
Right Ascension12h 31m 09.9s
Declination-57° 06′ 47.6″
ConstellationCrux
Notable Facts
- Gacrux is the closest red giant star to our Solar System
- Its red color contrasts with the blue-white stars in the rest of the Southern Cross
- The name is a contraction of Gamma Crucis