Which constellation is also called the Southern Cross? Crux is the constellation associated with the Southern Cross.
Crux is a small constellation in the southern sky, centred on four prominent stars arranged in a cross-like pattern. Its name is Latin for “cross,” and it is the smallest of the 88 modern constellations, covering about 68 square degrees.
The Southern Cross is especially useful for navigation in the Southern Hemisphere. By extending the line from Gamma Crucis through Alpha Crucis roughly four and a half times, observers can estimate the position of the south celestial pole. Alpha and Beta Centauri, known as the Southern Pointers, help identify the true cross.
A common mix-up is confusing the constellation with the similar-looking False Cross, an asterism formed from stars in Carina and Vela. Crux also has major cultural importance: its stars appear on the flags of Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.