Southern Cross in Mauna Loa Skies . ... Credit Copyright Barney Magrath Explanation: Gazing across this gorgeous skyscape, the Southern Cross and stars of the constellation Centaurus are seen above the outline of Mauna Loa (Long Mountain), planet Earth's largest volcano. ... Stars of the grand constellation Centaurus almost engulf the Southern Cross with blue giant Beta Centauri , and yellowish Alpha Centauri , appearing as the brightest stars to the left of Gamma Crucis. ...