Hydra (constellation)
Constellation straddling the celestial equator / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Not to be confused with the southern constellation Hydrus.
Hydra is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, measuring 1303 square degrees, and also the longest at over 100 degrees. Its southern end borders Libra and Centaurus and its northern end borders Cancer.[1] It was included among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. Commonly represented as a water snake, it straddles the celestial equator.
Quick Facts Abbreviation, Genitive ...
Constellation | |
Abbreviation | Hya |
---|---|
Genitive | Hydrae |
Pronunciation |
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Symbolism | the sea serpent |
Right ascension | 8h 10m 56.2029s – 15h 02m 31.3847s |
Declination | 6.6302376° – −35.6938896° |
Quadrant | SQ2 |
Area | 1303 sq. deg. (1st) |
Main stars | 17 |
Bayer/Flamsteed stars | 75 |
Stars with planets | 18 |
Stars brighter than 3.00m | 2 |
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 4 |
Brightest star | Alphard (α Hya) (1.98m) |
Messier objects | 3 |
Meteor showers |
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Bordering constellations | |
Visible at latitudes between +54° and −83°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of April. |
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