Gamma Crucis (γ Cru, γ Crucis), often called
Gacrux, is the nearest
red giant star to the Sun. The distance to Gacrux has been determined using
parallax measurements made during the
Hipparcos mission, which yielded a value of away from Earth. With an
apparent visual magnitude of +1.63, this is the third-brightest star in the southern
circumpolar constellation of
Crux, the Southern Cross, and
one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Among Portuguese-speaking peoples it is also named "Rubídea" (or Ruby-like), in reference to its color. A line from the two "Pointers",
Alpha Centauri through
Beta Centauri, leads to within a few degrees of this star.