Southern Cross above Phillip Island

Looking south from the coast of Phillip Island (140 km south of Melbourne) a bright meteor streaks the sky. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds stand above the Indian Ocean. Canopus, the second brightest star in the night sky, is notable on the lower right and Achernar is even closer to the horizon on the lower left. Higher up in the sky is the small but prominent constellation of the Southern Cross, next to the Coalsack dark nebula. Bright stars Alpha and Beta Centauri marks the upper edge of the view. © Alex Cherney