Background:
Crux is a small but very prominent constellation in the southern region of the sky. It's figure consists of four bright stars. It is one of the most beautiful constellations in the sky and features on a number of southern hemisphere country flags. It was and is still used as an important beacon for navigational purposes. Before the 16th century, the constellation formed part of Centaurus (before becoming a separate constellation). It lies in a rich part of the Milky Way galaxy and contains a number of deep sky objects, especially open clusters - the most spectacular being the Jewel Box cluster (NGC 4755) featuring many colourful stars. Its alpha star is also a bright double star.

Where is it?
Crux lies in the far-southern region of the sky "within" the constellation of Centaurus. It is also very near to the coal sack dark nebula. At the foot of Crux lies Musca (the fly) and if you proceed to the west, you will arrive at the constellations of Argo Navis. It is visible for most part of the year, except during early to mid-summer when it is just below the horizon for its South African observers.

Finding it:
Probably the most easy of the constellation to find in the southern skies - move westwards from the pointers of Centaurus and you will see the very prominent cross/kite shaped stars forming Crux.