The Constellation Directory

Abbreviation: Gru
Genitive: Gruis
Constellation family: Bayer Group
Nearest constellations: Indus, Microscopium, Phoenix, Piscis Austrinus, Sculptor, and Tucana
Right ascension: 22.61h
Declination: -44.52°
Visible between latitudes: +35° and -90°
Square degrees: 366
Luminary: Al Nair (Alpha Gruis)
Named stars: Al Nair
Notable deep sky objects: NGC 7130, NGC 7213, NGC 7418, NGC 7421, IC 1459, IC 5264

About

Grus is a constellation in the Southern Hemisphere. It is best seen in October.

Grus was named by Johann Bayer in 1603 when he published his star atlas Uranometria. Grus used to be part of Piscis Austrinus, but the stars of Grus were separated out and turned into a new constellation.

Although officially designated as "The Crane" by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Grus used to be called Phoenicopterus, or "The Flamingo."

Mythology

There is no mythology associated with this constellation.