The solar apex is the point on the celestial sphere, in the constellation Hercules (at about R.A. 18h, Dec. +30°), toward which the Sun is moving with respect to the local standard of rest, at a rate of about 19.4 kilometers per second (about 4.09 astronomical units per year). As the Sun slowly orbits the galactic center, nearby stars (as seen from Earth) appear to move away from the solar apex because of the Sun's relative velocity.

The point directly opposite the solar apex is called the solar antapex and lies in the constellation Columba at about R.A. 6h, Dec. –30°.