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The Crux Research Paper

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The Crux is more commonly known as the Southern Cross, its name being Latin for cross. Although it was seen by the Ancient Greeks, it was known to be part of the constellation Centaurus. The stars that make up the cross are: Alpha Crucis, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon. Quite a few of the constellation’s brighter stars are also members of the Centaurus / Scorpios association. The reason I chose this constellation is because of its significance to my country. The Southern Cross is on the national flag, and I have always wondered about the legends and reasons behind this constellation.

This constellation was, as mentioned above, part of Centaurus, so there was no traditional myth about its creation. However, Crux was not separated as a singular constellation until 1516, by Italian explorer Andreas Corsali. Quite derivatively, the Southern Cross (Crux) was named for its shape, and the hemisphere that can see it. The Ancient Greeks once were able to see it, but over time it disappeared over the horizon, so now the southern hemisphere can see it. …show more content…

The man lived in a lonely, barren country, with only the wild beasts to keep him company. The man, sick of chasing after all the wildebeest and other animals for food, with only his spear to help him hunt, sat down under a tree. As he looked up into the branches, he noticed the boughs of the tree, and realised that this material could help him make a tool to hunt with. Man, filled with renewed energy, set to work carving a cross, using a stone tool to help him shape the wood. A few work-filled hours later, Man held the wooden cross up to the moonlight. He spied a lone beast grazing in the grass a short distance away. Man held up the cross, and threw with all his might. The wooden cross, spinning and whirling, hit the beast squarely on the head, knocking it dead. Man made a loud whooping sound. No more chasing wild animals all day! From then on, Man used his new creation to hunt for

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