Crux facts for kids
| Constellation | |
| Abbreviation | Cru |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Crucis |
| Pronunciation | genitive |
| Symbolism | Southern Cross |
| Right ascension | 12.5h |
| Declination | −60° |
| Quadrant | SQ3 |
| Area | 68 sq. deg. (88th) |
| Main stars | 4 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
19 |
| Stars with planets | 2 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 5 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 0 |
| Brightest star | Acrux (α Cru) (0.87m) |
| Nearest star | η Cru (64.22 ly, 19.69 pc) |
| Messier objects | 0 |
| Meteor showers | Crucids |
| Bordering constellations |
Centaurus Musca |
| Visible at latitudes between +20° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of May. |
|
Crux (IPA: /ˈkrʊks/, Latin: cross), commonly known as the Southern Cross (in contrast to the Northern Cross), is one of the modern constellations. It points to the directions of north, south, east and west. It is the smallest modern constellation. It was first described by the Italian navigator Andrea Corsali in 1515.
In the past, sailors used to use Crux as a means of navigation.
The Southern Cross was used on the flag flown by miners in Ballarat, Victoria, during the rebellion known as the Eureka Stockade. The Southern Cross flag has been used as a symbol of protest in Australia since 1854.
Images for kids
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Depiction of the Crux by João Faras in May 1500
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Southern Cross from New Zealand
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Deep exposure of Crux, Coalsack Nebula, and IC 2944
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Crux with clouds, from Cape Town
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Crux, appearing on a number of flags and insignia
