What is the Apus Constellation?
By Joseph Stutzman
The constellation Apus, pronounced APE-us, is probably not familiar to you at all. One of the least known of the 88 constellations, it has no famously named or commonly recognizable stars and no legends associated with it.
Perhaps one of the most beautifully inspired constellations; it represents a most fantastic Bird of Paradise that was native to New Guinea. One of the southern constellations it was introduced by Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman, famous Dutch navigators of the late 16th century. The name they gave it, though, is quite the disappointment. Apus comes from the Greek word apous, which means “footless”. What were they thinking? It’s true that the depiction of this epic bird in the stars has no feet, but…surely they could have conjured up a more romantic name. And the real Bird of Paradise definitely had feet.
Other names this little-known, but somewhat interesting constellation has known are: Paradysvogel Apis Indica, Apis Indica and Avis Indica. The illustration on the left, above is from the Uranohraphia of Johann Bode where one of the alternative names referred to the Bird of Paradise’s native habitat. As you can see, in this Gould and Elliot artful representation on the right, the Papua, New Guinea, Bird of Paradise is vividly colored and mystically feathered.
This inconspicuous constellation is most visible between +5° and -90° and is best seen during the month of July. The brightest star of the constellation is Alpha Apodis, not really a famously named star, but a name given to give recognition to this particular constellation, and is 411 light years away from earth. A couple of other more recognizable stars are Delta Apodis, a large double star that has two orange stars, shining at the 5th magnitude. Both stars of Delta Apodis are easily visible with binoculars, making it easier to spot Apus.
Along with stargazing, Joseph also enjoys relaxing by working in his garden. He uses all natural diatomaceous earth as an organic pest control for his vegetables and herb plants.
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