Question #48 – We know that Polaris is the "North Star", but is there a "South Star"?

Answer:

Polaris is called the "North Star" because it marks the north celestial pole, which is the point around which the sky appears to rotate. There is no bright, or even moderately bright "South Star" to mark the south celestial pole. The only star that comes close is Sigma Octans which is 1 degree away from the south celestial pole, but this star would barely be visible with the unaided eye even under the darkest skies.

For more information, read "Use Southern Cross to find due south" at EarthSky.org

The south celestial pole is marked on the sky chart, along with Sigma Octans
Image created with Starry Night Pro Plus 8