From the May 2009 issue

Is there an equivalent to the North Star in the Southern Hemisphere?

Justin Shaw, Beaverton, Oregon
By | Published: May 26, 2009 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
Celestial equator
The celestial sphere is divided by the celestial equator.

Solely based on its position, Sigma Octantis could be considered the “South Star,” but, unlike Polaris, it is too dim to be a convenient celestial reference point for stargazers and navigators.