Crux
About Crux
The smallest of the 88 constellations but the most famous in the Southern Hemisphere. Appears on the flags of Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. Used for navigation since the Southern Cross points toward the south celestial pole. The Coalsack Nebula appears as a dark patch next to the cross. Acrux, the brightest star, is a triple system 321 light-years away. The Jewel Box cluster contains about 100 stars.
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