The Southern Cross, also known as Crux, is one of the most recognizable star patterns in the night sky. It is an asteri *** – a pattern of stars forming a larger shape – found in the constellation of Crux, the *** allest of all 88 constellations. The Southern Cross is visible in the night sky from the Southern Hemisphere and is used by navigators to help determine their position.

The Southern Cross consists of four stars, with the brightest two forming a cross-like shape. The four stars of the Southern Cross are Alpha (also known as Acrux), Beta (also known as Mimosa), Gamma (also known as Gacrux) and Delta (also known as Imai). Alpha and Gamma form the long arms of the cross, while Beta and Delta form the short arms.

The Southern Cross is an important symbol in many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, where it has been used to represent the southern skies for centuries. It has been featured on the flags of nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. It is also an important symbol in Christianity, representing the cross of Jesus Christ.

The English name for the Southern Cross is derived from its Latin name, Crux. The Latin word 'Crux' means 'cross' and is derived from the Latin word 'cruciare' which means 'to cross'. The Southern Cross is also sometimes referred to as the 'Crux Australis' or 'Southern Cross'.

The Southern Cross is one of the most recognizable star patterns in the night sky, and its symbolic importance has made it an important part of many cultures in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a reminder of the beauty of the night sky, and its iconic shape has been a source of fascination and inspiration for centuries.