The Southern Cross is surrounded on three sides by the Centaur. Its description is most often attributed to Frenchman Augustine Royer in about 1679, whereas Johann Bayer drew it over the hind legs of the Centaur. In any case, it is a brilliant but narrow stream three or four degrees wide, looking more like a kite than a cross. There has been much poetry and romance attached to it over the years because of the fascination it holds for mariners.
Crux is the smallest constellation in the sky. It was last seen in Jerusalem on the horizon at –31° 46’ 45”, precisely when Jesus was crucified.
|
| Symbol | Cru |
| Right Ascension |
12:33
|
| Declination | -60 |
| Diameter (°) | 5 |
| Area (square °) | 68 |
| Opposition |
Mar 29
|
| Size Rank |
88th
|
| Brightness Rank |
15th
|
| Genitive | Crucis |
|