Alpha Scuti, also known as Acrux, is the brightest star in the constellation Crux, commonly referred to as the Southern Cross. It is located approximately 320 light-years away from Earth and is classified as a blue giant star. Its brightness and position make it a prominent feature in the southern sky. This star is actually a binary system, consisting of two stars that orbit each other. The primary component is a massive star, while the secondary is slightly less massive. Together, they create a striking visual that has made Alpha Scuti a point of interest for both amateur and professional astronomers.