Crux

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.

Crux

Constellation
List of stars in Crux
Abbreviation	Cru
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.

The Southern Cross

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.