Sigma Octantis marks the Celestial South Pole, as this 5.5 magnitude star is about one degree from the pole and moving slowly farther away.

A century ago the star was only 45' from the pole (three-quarters of a degree); this distance is now just over one full degree: 1º 3'.

From alpha Octantis move south three binocular fields of view. You'll find a series of stars which form a hook-like asterism; sigma is in the middle of this asterism: binoculars.