The Pointer Stars (Alpha and Beta Centauri, at left) pointing to the stars of the Southern Cross, Crux, at right. The Coal Sack, obvious as a dark pat

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The Pointer Stars (Alpha and Beta Centauri, at left) pointing to the stars of the Southern Cross, Crux, at right. The Coal Sack, obvious as a dark patch in the Milky Way to the naked eye, here looks less obvious as it breaks up into streaks and bands of dark dust to the left of the Cross.

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Size: 5176px × 3450px
Photo credit: © Alan Dyer/VWPics/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 4609, 4649, 4755, alpha, astro, astronomical, astronomy, beta, box, centauri, centaurus, coal, cross, crux, jewel, ngc, photography, pointers, sack, skies, sky, southern