Crux
constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere
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.[1]
Constellation | |
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Abbreviation | Cru |
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Genitive | Crucis |
Pronunciation | /krʌks/, genitive /ˈkruːsɪs/ |
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) |
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. |
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.
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ Ridpath, Ian. "Crux: The southern cross". Star Tales. Retrieved 28 January 2013.