Apus constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Apus (Aps) is a southern constellation covering 206 square degrees, number 67 of 88 by size. It has no bright stars — the brightest is magnitude 3.8, so you need a dark sky. It is best seen in the evening in July. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 1° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Ara, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Musca, Octans, Pavo, Triangulum Australe.
Area: 206 square degrees, 67 of 88 · Neighbours: Ara, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Musca, Octans, Pavo, Triangulum Australe · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Apus
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 1° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Ara, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Musca.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: Paradys (3.8ᵐ), γ Aps (3.9ᵐ), β Aps (4.2ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| Paradys · α Aps | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
| γ Aps | yellow giant | 3.9ᵐ |
| β Aps | orange giant | 4.2ᵐ |
Apus FAQ
When is the best time to see Apus?
Where is Apus in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Apus?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0