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Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Crux
Origin:
Originally described by Ptolemy in the Almagest (A.D. 140) as the
feet of Centaurus. As Christian
explorers the southern hemisphere it was given religious status and
excised from the centaur.
Information:
Crux is the smallest constellation in the sky and is extremely easy to
find by its shape and relative brightness. Crux is south of
Centaurus, making it possible to see by northern observers who are farther
south than about 20-25° N lat. For southern hemisphere observers,
it is highest in the sky on about June 1 at 9 pm. The constellation
is replete with deep sky objects just waiting for binoculars or the
telescope. The symbolism of Crux is so admired that many
southern-hemisphere countries have the Southern Cross on their national
flags. |
