Crux
We all know that the Southern Cross is the most well known star constellation in the southern hemisphere, and that it has many associations with Australia, but what else did you know about the Southern Cross?
It’s official name is the Crux, which is Latin for Cross. Of all the 88 modern constellations, it is actually the smallest. Funny then, that it is the most famous in the southern hemisphere also. For anyone that isn’t familiar with the constellation, it features a cross. It is easily visible from anywhere in the southern hemisphere at any time of year, but it can also be seen from some of the northern hemisphere tropical latitudes near the horizon during some times of the year.
It is often thought that Crux, or the Southern Cross, is opposite to Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. However, this is not true, and you can in fact see both constellations from tropical regions from April to June. The exact opposite constellation to Crux is Cassiopeia, otherwise known as the “W”. Crux is made up of 5 stars, and somewhat kite shaped with the fifth star between two of them. It is often confused with the false cross, which is another constellation nearby.
As the southern hemisphere lacks a star to mark south, Crux is generally used to mark south. If you trace a line between the two stars that are furthest away from each other, then extend that line to 4.5 times the length, then you will find a southern celestial pole.