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Hydra
Hydra (abbr. Hya, gen. Hydrae) The largest constellation of all, representing a water-snake. Hydra meanders from the celestial equator into the southern celestial hemisphere, and is over 100° long. Its brightest star is Alphard (Alpha Hydrae). R Hydrae is a Mira star that varies between magnitudes 4 and 11 every 390 days, and U Hydrae is a semiregular variable that ranges between magnitudes 4.3 and 6.5. M48 is a 6th-magnitude open star cluster visible in binoculars, and M83 is an 8th-magnitude spiral galaxy. NGC 3242 is a planetary nebula known as the Ghost of Jupiter.
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"Hydra." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Hydra." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Hydra.html "Hydra." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Hydra.html |
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Hydra
Hydra in astronomy, southern constellation lying S of Corvus, Crater, Virgo, Leo, and Cancer. It is a long, slender, winding constellation traditionally depicted as a snake and known also as the Water Monster or Sea Serpent. The only bright star in the constellation is Alphard (Alpha Hydrae); it is a double star, but the two components can be detected only with a telescope. Hydra reaches its highest point in the evening sky in the spring. |
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"Hydra." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Hydra." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Hydra-ast.html "Hydra." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Hydra-ast.html |
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Hydra
Hydra Largest constellation in the sky. It represents the water snake killed by Heracles in classical mythology.
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"Hydra." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Hydra." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Hydra.html "Hydra." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Hydra.html |
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