The pure rotational spectrum of the elusive CN$^+$ cation has been observed for the first
time using the cryogenic ion trap apparatus Coltrap by applying an action spectroscopy scheme.
For the $^{12}$C$^{14}$N$^+$ species, the three lowest rotational transitions have been observed
each of which exhibits hyperfine structure from the presence of the $^{14}$N nucleus.
The rare $^{12}$C$^{15}$N$^+$ isotopolog has been studied up to the
$J=4-3$ transition.
The observations conclusively confirm CN$^+$ to occupy a $^1\Sigma^+$ electronic ground state.
Given the ubiquity of the CN radical in space, CN$^+$ is an appealing candidate for future radio astronomical searches.
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