Paradys

Apus in Plancius/ Hondius (1598)

The term is Dutch and means "Paradise". It is an abbreviation of the original Dutch constellation name "Paradys-vogel" of the constellation Apus and names the main star. The modern star name resembles the historical Dutch spelling of the original constellation name. α Aps (alf Apodis) is a red giant (K3-type) of 4.5 solar masses, so it will not go supernova but only produce a planetary nebula and end as an earth-sized diamond, a so-called white dwarf star (like our Sun).

Etymology and History

The spelling with "y" was used in the earliest publications, namely on the globes by Plancius and Hondius in 1598.

The modern Dutch spelling which was also used by de Houtman when inventing the constellation, was "Paradijs" with "ij" (which is pronounced in the same way, like English "eye"). Yet, de Houtman's star catalogue was published only in 1603, later than the globes by Plancius and Hondius. Obviously, there was no "standard spelling" around 1600. Thus, WGSN decided use the oldest term that was published.

Mythology

There is no mythology.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was discussed and approved by the IAU WGSN in 2025.

Reference

• References (general)
• References (early modern)
• Ian Ridpath's website (Star Tales – Apus )