About Ginan
Description
Ginan, Epsilon Crucis, is a K-type giant of spectral class K3 III about 230 light-years away, located inside the famous Southern Cross asterism. It shines at magnitude 3.59. Ginan's warm orange color contrasts with the four blue-white main Southern Cross stars (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta Crucis), making Ginan visually distinctive even within the bright constellation.
Observing Tips
Ginan is the fainter fifth star commonly included in Southern Cross depictions, slightly off from the main four-star cross pattern. From southern latitudes the Southern Cross rides high in the autumn sky. Ginan is readily visible with the naked eye; binoculars show its orange color unmistakably. Best observed from southern latitudes March through August.
History
The name Ginan comes from the Wardaman language of northern Australia, referring to a red dilly-bag filled with special songs of knowledge — Aboriginal Australian tradition. The IAU adopted the name in 2017.
Fun Facts
Ginan is depicted on the flag of Australia along with the Southern Cross — though only as the small fifth star compared to the four main cross stars. The Australian flag and the New Zealand flag both include the Southern Cross, but only the Australian flag incorporates Ginan.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
9
Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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