Hydra (The Water Snake)

The largest constellation, a long faint snake spanning the equatorial sky.

Core Principles & Analysis

• At 1,303 square degrees it is the largest of the 88 constellations, stretching across more than 100 degrees of sky.
• Its brightest star Alphard means "the solitary one", for it shines alone in a barren region.
• In myth it is the water snake of Apollo's crow story, and its coils support the cup and the crow.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Alphard (α Hya)
• HEMISPHERE: Equatorial
• BEST VIEWED: April