History of Crux in Timeline

Crux, also known as the Southern Cross, is a prominent constellation in the southern sky. Its name comes from the Latin word for "cross," reflecting its easily recognizable cross-shaped asterism formed by four bright stars. Despite being the smallest of the 88 modern constellations, its stars are bright and easily visible, making it a key feature of the southern night sky. Crux holds cultural significance in many Southern Hemisphere countries and is often featured in flags and emblems.

1909: Crux Mentioned in Brazilian National Anthem

The constellation Crux was mentioned in the lyrics of the Brazilian National Anthem in 1909.

1920: German East Africa Company Ceases to Exist

The German East Africa Company, which used a constellation of five white five-pointed Crux "stars" on a red ground in its flag, ceased to exist in 1920.

1922: IAU Adopts Abbreviation for Crux

In 1922, the International Astronomical Union officially adopted "Cru" as the three-letter abbreviation for the constellation Crux.

1930: Official Constellation Boundaries Defined

Belgian astronomer Eugène Delporte defined the official boundaries of the Crux constellation in 1930, forming a polygon of four segments.

1936: Reichskolonialbund Founded

The Reichskolonialbund, a German colonial-oriented organization, was founded in 1936, drawing inspiration from the German East Africa Company flag which featured the Crux constellation.

1942: Cruzeiro Currency Introduced in Brazil

Brazil introduced the cruzeiro as its national currency in 1942, featuring the Cross constellation.

1943: Reichskolonialbund Disbanded

The Reichskolonialbund was disbanded in 1943.

1952: "Beneath the Southern Cross" Musical Number Premieres

The musical number "Beneath the Southern Cross" premiered as part of the NBC Television Series "Victory At Sea" in 1952.

1956: Friends of the former German Protectorates Founded

The Friends of the former German Protectorates, another organization with symbolic ties to the German East Africa Company's flag and the Crux constellation, was founded in 1956.