Hydra

Also known as Hya, Hydrae

constellation straddling the celestial equator

AI overview

Hydra is the largest constellation in the night sky, stretching across a vast area near the celestial equator where the sky is divided into northern and southern hemispheres. It matters to astronomers and stargazers because its size and position make it an important reference point for mapping and studying the heavens.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Official name: Hydra
Area: 1303
Image: HydraCC.jpg

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Commons category: Hydra (constellation)
Commons gallery: Hydra (constellation)
short name: Hya

Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

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Article

Hydra is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, measuring 1303 square degrees, and also the longest at over 100 degrees. Its southern end borders Libra and Centaurus and its northern end borders Cancer. It was included among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. Commonly represented as a water snake, it straddles the celestial equator.

History and mythology