When is the best time to observe Head of Hydrus?

Head of Hydrus is best observed from September through November, with peak visibility during October when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Head of Hydrus located in the sky?

Head of Hydrus lies in the constellation Hydrus at right ascension 01h 59m and declination -61° 34′.

What telescope do I need to see Head of Hydrus?

At magnitude 2.9, Head of Hydrus is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Head of Hydrus — Star in Hydrus

HIP 9236; Alpha Hydri

Magnitude 2.9^m Star Hydrus (Hyi) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Head of Hydrus

Description

Alpha Hydri (sometimes called Head of Hydrus) is a yellow-white star of spectral type F0V at magnitude 2.86, located about 72 light-years from Earth. It is the brightest star in the small southern constellation Hydrus. With a surface temperature of about 7,100 K and a luminosity of roughly 26 times solar, it is a fairly ordinary main-sequence star slightly hotter and larger than the Sun.

Observing Tips

Alpha Hydri lies in the far southern sky between the bright Achernar and the south celestial pole. It is the most northerly star of Hydrus and serves as the starting point for identifying this faint constellation. Only visible south of about 15°N latitude. Best observed from October through December.

History

The constellation Hydrus was created by Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century from observations of the southern sky by Dutch navigators. It represents a small water snake, not to be confused with the much larger Hydra. Alpha Hydri has no traditional proper name beyond its descriptive label 'Head of Hydrus.'

Fun Facts

Alpha Hydri lies very roughly between the south celestial pole and the brilliant star Achernar, making it a useful waypoint for southern-hemisphere stargazers orienting themselves. Despite being the brightest star in its constellation, it is relatively unremarkable as stars go — just a pleasant yellow-white star minding its own business.