Apus

/ˈeɪpəs/ noun

Definition

A small southern constellation near the south celestial pole, representing a bird of paradise.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'ave-do-paraíso' (bird of paradise), with the Portuguese article 'a' incorporated into the name. Named by Dutch astronomers in the 1600s.

Kelly Says

Apus is one of the southern constellations that European explorers named after exotic animals they encountered in the South Pacific!

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