Sunday, 7 June 2020

Astrognome A-Z of Constellations # 42 Hydra


Hydra the Water Snake
Hydra is the largest constellation in the sky but is by no means easy to find on account of its faintness. Hydra has only one readily identified star alpha or Alphard which marks the heart of the snake. Hydra is usually identified with the multi headed creature that was slain by Hercules.
Alpha or Alphard which means the ‘Solitary One’ is a magnitude 2-0 star lying at a distance of 177 light years. Alphard is a K3 orange giant star.
Gamma has a brightness of magnitude 3.0, its a G8 giant star lying at a distance of 134 light years.



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