Hydrus (The Lesser Water Snake)

Small south-polar constellation, the male water snake of the navigators.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Keyser and de Houtman charted it around 1598 as the little water snake, circling the pole near Octans.
• Beta Hydri is one of the nearest bright stars to the south celestial pole and closely resembles the young Sun.
• The Small Magellanic Cloud brushes its border with Tucana.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: β Hydri
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: December