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 Hidra Macho 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 — Estrella en Hidra Macho

HIP 9236; Alpha Hydri

Magnitud 2.9^m Star Hidra Macho (Hyi) Visible

Mapa Estelar + Lista + Plan

Acerca de Head of Hydrus

Descripción

Alpha Hydri (sometimes called Head of Hydrus) is a yellow-white star of tipo espectral F0V at magnitude 2.86, located a unos 72 años luz de la Tierra. It is the brightest star in the small southern constellation Hydrus. With a temperatura superficial of about 7,100 K and a luminosity of roughly 26 veces la solar, it is a fairly ordinary estrella de secuencia principal slightly hotter and larger than el Sol.

Consejos de Observación

Alpha Hydri lies in the far southern sky between the bright Achernar and the polo celeste sur. 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. Mejor observación from October through December.

Historia

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.'

Datos Curiosos

Alpha Hydri lies very roughly between the polo celeste sur 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.