Gamma Hydrae — Star in Hydra
About Gamma Hya
Description
Gamma Hydrae is a yellow giant of spectral type G8IIIa at magnitude 3.00 in Hydra. Located about 134 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 115 times solar. It lies in the long body of the Water Snake, the largest constellation.
Observing Tips
Gamma Hya lies in the head region of Hydra, part of a small cluster of stars that forms the serpent's head south of Cancer. The head asterism is the easiest part of Hydra to identify. Best observed February through May.
History
Gamma Hydrae has no traditional proper name. The head of Hydra — a small circle of stars including Gamma, Zeta, Epsilon, Delta, Sigma, and Eta Hydrae — is one of the more distinctive small asterisms in the spring sky.
Fun Facts
The head of Hydra is the most recognizable part of this sprawling constellation. From the compact head, the body snakes eastward for nearly 100 degrees — the longest constellation in the sky.
Observe
1Physical Properties
2Position & Identifiers
3How easy to spot?
| Equipment | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naked eye Naked eye | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 50 mm finder 50mm finder | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm telescope 150mm scope | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
4Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
5Survey Image
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Explore
7
Size Comparison
8
Compare Stars
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Spectral Classification
10
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
11
Stellar Lifecycle
12
Blackbody Spectrum
13
Stellar Absorption Spectrum
Simulated absorption spectrum based on spectral type. Hover over lines to identify elements.
14
Stellar Fusion
Discover
15Stellar Notes
16
Light Travel Time Machine
17
Relativistic Travel
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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