What is Crux?
{{Infobox constellation | name = Crux | abbreviation = Cru | genitive = Crucis | pronounce = {{IPAc-en|k|r|ʌ|k|s}}, genitive {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|r|uː|s|ɪ|s}} | symbolism = Southern Cross | RA = {{RA|12.5}} | dec= {{DEC|−60}} | family = [[Hercules Family|Hercules]] | quadrant = SQ3 | areatotal = 68 | arearank = 88th | numbermainstars = 4 | numberbfstars = 19 | numberstarsplanets = 2 | numberbrightstars = 5 | numbernearbystars = 0 | brighteststarname = [[Alpha Crucis|Acrux]] (α Cru) | starmagnitude = 0.87 | neareststarname = [[Eta Crucis|η Cru]] | stardistancely = 64.22 | stardistancepc = 19.69 | numbermessierobjects = 0 | meteorshowers = [[Crucids]] | bordering = [[Centaurus]]<br />[[Musca]] | latmax = [[20th parallel north|20]] | latmin = [[South Pole|90]] | month = May | notes=|Main stars = 5}} [[Image:Carina med labeled.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Southern Cross]] '''Crux''' (IPA: /ˈkrʊks/), commonly known as the '''Southern Cross''', is a [[constellation]] that can be seen by people in the [[Southern Hemisphere]]. Its four brightest stars are in the shape of a [[cross]]. The name ''Crux'' is the [[Latin]] word for a cross. It is a small constellation, but the four main stars are bright, so the cross shape is easily seen in the [[sky]]. Each of the four stars has an [[Magnitude (astronomy)|apparent visual magnitude]] brighter than +2.8. The four stars point approximately in the directions of [[north]], [[south]], [[east]] and [[west]]. Crux was first described by the Italian navigator Andrea Corsali in 1515.<ref name=startales>{{cite web |url=http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/crux.htm |title=Crux: The southern cross |work=Star Tales |last=Ridpath |first=Ian |accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> In the past, sailors used Crux to help with [[navigation|navigating]] across oceans. The Southern Cross is used as a symbol in many Southern Hemisphere countries and states. It appears on the flags of [[flag of Australia|Australia]], [[flag of Brazil|Brazil]], [[flag of New Zealand|New Zealand]], [[flag of Papua New Guinea|Pa