The Southern Cross is a cross-shaped asterism very close to the neighboring constellation of Centaurus.  Southern Cross is the smallest of the 88 modern constellations. Сrux is easily visible from the southern hemisphere at practically any time of year. It is also visible near the horizon from tropical latitudes of the northern hemisphere for a few hours every night during the northern winter and spring.  Crux is exactly opposite to Cassiopeia on the celestial sphere. Three of the five main Crux stars—Acrux, Mimosa, and Delta Crucis—are co-moving B-type members of the Scorpius-Centaurus Association, the nearest OB association to the Sun.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Imaging cameras: Canon 1100D (unmodified)
Software: Craig Stark Nebulosity
Dates: April 22, 2014
Frames: 18×360″
Integration: 1.8 hours

Author: Jonah Scott

AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI
27 April 2014