Crux (abbr. Cru, gen. Crucis) The Cross; a tiny but brilliant southern constellation invisible from most of the populated northern hemisphere. Surrounded on three sides by Centaurus, with Musca to the south, it is well seen only south of the Tropic of Cancer. Crux contains the most famous of dark nebulae, Coalsack, and several bright open clusters, including the Jewel Box, NGC 4349 (magnitude 7.4; diameter 16'; R.A. 12h 24.5m, Dec. -61° 54'), and NGC 4463 (magnitude 7.2; diameter 5'; R.A. 12h 30.0m, Dec. -64° 48'). See below for details of the constellation's brightest stars.
Related categories NOTABLE STARS NEBULAE AND STAR CLUSTERS GALAXIES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |
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