Star lore
Apus
Direct answer
Apus is a far-southern constellation representing a bird of paradise, positioned near the south celestial pole.
Apus is a small southern constellation named for the bird of paradise.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related
- Andromeda, Antlia, Aquarius Constellation, Aquila
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The story behind Apus
Apus arose from late-sixteenth-century Dutch voyages and was published in Johann Bayer's Uranometria in 1603.
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The Road of the Sun
Where the twelve signs came from, and why they carry the names they do.
Why Apus matters
Apus’s polar location makes it circumpolar from many far-southern latitudes while leaving it invisible from most northern sites.
Apus in practice: an example
Alpha Apodis marks the constellation without forming a bright, immediately recognizable figure.
Where readings of Apus go wrong
The Latin name historically reflects an old misconception that birds of paradise lacked feet.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- International Astronomical Union: The Constellations - Official names, abbreviations, and boundaries for the 88 modern constellations.
- NASA Space Place: What Are Constellations? - NASA introduction to constellation regions, patterns, visibility, and seasonal sky changes.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is Apus?
Apus is a far-southern constellation representing a bird of paradise, positioned near the south celestial pole.
What do people get wrong about Apus?
The Latin name historically reflects an old misconception that birds of paradise lacked feet.
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