Apus
Where is Apus?
Below the horizon from London all the time.
- Rises
- Never
- Highest
- —
- Sets
- —
- Best after dark
- —
How to find Apus
Start with Paradys, Apus’s brightest star (mag 3.8). Nearby constellations include Triangulum Australe, Octans, Circinus and Pavo.
Its center is at right ascension 16h 06m, declination −76°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Apus
Apus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in June. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 3° N to 90° S.
Apus never rises from London: it is too far south in the sky for this latitude.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Apus
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, Paradys, is mag 3.8). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Apus (genitive Apodis, abbreviated Aps) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Paradys, magnitude 3.8.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star in Apus.
Brightest stars and objects in Apus
Questions
What is the brightest star in Apus?
When is Apus visible?
Can I see Apus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences