Crux is the signpost of the southern hemisphere: the Southern Cross.

In antiquity its stars belonged to Centaurus, but the familiar sight became a constellation of its own in the Sixteenth Century when seamen started to become more familiar with the stars of the southern hemisphere.

Beginning at alpha Crucis one can easily find the Coal Sack, a particularly large dark nebula quite striking in contrast to the richness of the Milky Way.

The Jewel Box is another delight, not just the finest cluster in the Southern Hemisphere but one of the best in all the heavens.

Click on alpha Cru or beta Cru.