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Crux
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.

Carina med labeled
The Southern Cross


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