Crux, the four-star Southern Cross, lies
southwest of the main body of Centaurus, and
precedes the two bright stars of the
Centaur across the southern sky. Rigel Kentaurus, Alpha Centauri,
four light years away, is the closest star to the Earth.
Epsilon Centauri links this photo to one of
northern Centaurus. The "Jewel
Box, Kappa Crucis, is a bright, beautiful open star cluster.
Photo by Greg Dimijian.