What is the Crux?

Crux is a constellation in the southern hemisphere of the sky. It is only visible from latitudes south of 27 degrees. It is completely below the horizon in most parts of the northern hemisphere. It is the smallest constellation in the night sky with a total area of only 68 square degrees. It is bordered by the constellations Centaurus on the east, north and west, and Musca to the south. Crux is one of the most familiar constellations in the southern hemisphere. It is an easy constellation to identify, due to its obvious cross shape and bright stars.  Crux was considered to be part of the constellation Centaurus by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century. The Greeks were able to see the celestial cross before it disappeared below the horizon due the procession of the Earth’s axis. Some linked the disappearance of the cross with the crucifixion of Christ. By the year 400, the stars were no longer visible from Europe. The Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius was the first to separate the stars into their own constellation in 1592.

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