The Hydrus constellation
Hyi · Catalogue stars: 8
Why this name?
The Latin Hydrus denotes a water snake. The name ‘Southern Water Snake’ helps distinguish it from the much larger ancient constellation Hydra.
A little history
It appeared on European charts following southern sea expeditions in the late sixteenth century. Unlike ancient Hydra, it arose during the mapping of the far southern sky.
Data
- IAU code
- Hyi
- Catalogue stars
- 8
- Messier objects
- 0
- Brightest star
- HIP 2021 · 2.8ᵐ
Stars (HIP)
- HIP 2021 · 2.8ᵐ · G2IV
- HIP 9236 · 2.9ᵐ · F0V
- HIP 17678 · 3.3ᵐ · M2III
- HIP 11001 · 4.1ᵐ · A3V
- HIP 12394 · 4.1ᵐ · B9III
- HIP 8928 · 4.7ᵐ · G5III
- HIP 13244 · 4.8ᵐ · K3III
- HIP 12876 · 4.8ᵐ · A2IV/V
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | never rises | — |
| +55° | never rises | — |
| +45° | never rises | — |
| +30° | never rises | — |
| 0° | 21° | 159° |
| −35° | 56° · never sets | — |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 18:35 |
| February | 16:28 |
| March | 14:43 |
| April | 12:49 |
| May | 10:55 |
| June | 08:49 |
| July | 06:45 |
| August | 04:44 |
| September | 02:51 |
| October | 01:02 |
| November | 23:01 |
| December | 20:53 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.
Neighbouring constellations
In brief
Which is the brightest star in Hydrus?
HIP 2021 — 2.8ᵐ.