When is the best time to observe Nu Hydrae?

Nu Hydrae is best observed from January through March, with peak visibility during February when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Nu Hydrae located in the sky?

Nu Hydrae lies in the constellation Hydra at right ascension 10h 50m and declination -16° 12′.

What telescope do I need to see Nu Hydrae?

At magnitude 3.1, Nu Hydrae is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Nu Hydrae — Star in Hydra

Magnitude 3.1^m Star Hydra (Hya) Visible

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About Nu Hya

Description

Nu Hydrae is an orange giant of spectral type K2III at magnitude 3.11 in Hydra. Located about 144 light-years from Earth, it has a surface temperature of about 4,500 K and a luminosity roughly 110 times solar. It lies in the long body of Hydra, not far from the brighter Alphard (Alpha Hya).

Observing Tips

Nu Hya is located in the body of Hydra, a few degrees southeast of the bright star Alphard. It appears as a warm orange star in a relatively sparse area of sky. Best observed from February through May. It is one of several K-type giant stars strung along Hydra's sinuous body.

History

Nu Hydrae has no traditional proper name. Its position in the body of the serpent has made it a stepping-stone for navigating the long, winding figure of Hydra since the constellation was first charted. In Chinese astronomy, stars in this region of Hydra were part of the 'Star' mansion.

Fun Facts

Hydra contains surprisingly few bright stars for such a large constellation — Alphard (the 'Solitary One') at magnitude 1.98 is the only star brighter than magnitude 3. Nu Hya is one of the next brightest, illustrating how dim and sprawling this great serpent really is.