When is the best time to observe Zeta Hydrae?

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

Where is Zeta Hydrae located in the sky?

Zeta Hydrae lies in the constellation Hydra at right ascension 08h 55m and declination +05° 57′.

What telescope do I need to see Zeta Hydrae?

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

Zeta Hydrae — Star in Hydra

Magnitude 3.1^m Star Hydra (Hya) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Zeta Hya

Description

Zeta Hydrae is a yellow giant of spectral type G9II-III at magnitude 3.11 in Hydra. Located about 167 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 132 times solar and a surface temperature of about 4,900 K. It lies in the body of the Water Snake, the longest constellation in the sky.

Observing Tips

Zeta Hya lies in the long, winding body of Hydra, southeast of the distinctive head asterism. The head of Hydra (a small group of stars south of Cancer) is easy to find, and Zeta lies along the body stretching eastward. Best observed from February through May. Hydra's body extends so far that it takes several months for the whole constellation to clear the horizon.

History

Zeta Hydrae has no traditional proper name. Hydra is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, stretching nearly 100 degrees across the sky. It represents the Lernaean Hydra, the multi-headed water serpent slain by Hercules as one of his twelve labors.

Fun Facts

Hydra is so long that when its head is rising in the east, its tail is still below the western horizon. The constellation takes over six hours to fully cross the meridian. Zeta Hya sits roughly at the constellation's midpoint.