Sagittarius

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Bright zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere, represented as an archer aiming a bow and arrow at neighbouring Scorpius. The Sun passes through Sagittarius from mid-December to mid-January, a period that includes the solstice, when it is farthest south of the Equator. The constellation contains many nebulae and globular clusters, and open star clusters. Kaus Australis and Nunki are its brightest stars. The centre of our Galaxy, the Milky Way, is marked by the radio source Sagittarius A. In astrology, the dates for Sagittarius are about 22 November–21 December (see precession).

Red and white are the traditional colours of South East Asia. The blue canton recalls the British Empire and represents unity. Yellow is the colour of the Sultans of Malaysia. Effective date: 16 September 1963. >>