Not all the stars you can see with the naked eye.Some celestial figures are made up of such a dim light that they need for admiration, at least, the binoculars and the ideal conditions of observation.A good example - the constellation of Hydra, known to many residents of the southern part of our country.It is famous for its impressive size, and difficult to distinguish luminaries in its composition.
Location
Hydra occupies a large area in the sky, however, relates to the equatorial constellations, but because it can be fully observed only in the south of Russia.In order to find a constellation, it is necessary to find a more prominent neighbors.It is located south of the celestial figures of the Virgin and the Lion.The brightest point of Hydra Alphard Star, located within walking distance from Regulus (Alpha Leo).The most noticeable sign of the zodiac August shining lies north of Alpha described the heavenly pattern.
constellation Hydra is best seen in the period from February to March.Admire them to get on the condition of clear weather and the lack of artificial lighting.If you can not identify the constellation of Hydra, a photo from the Internet, including the location of all its elements, will find it.
legendary monster
Despite its faintness, the constellation is the oldest.It is mentioned in Ptolemy's catalog, compiled in the second century AD.There Hydra, however, is called "Water Serpent".Probably, it is connected with one of the legends about the origin of the constellation.In it the Greek god Apollo sent a raven to fetch water.He performed the task, but with the life-giving water bowl scooped the snake.An angry god threw all the participants in the sky.So there were a constellation Water Snake, Crow and Bowl.
More often, however, the heavenly pattern associated with Lerna Hydra that Hercules defeated in his second feat.A huge monster with multiple heads and poisonous breath was almost immortal.Cope with it the strength it was not for everyone.In place of the severed head immediately vyrostayut two new ones.The hero was able to defeat the monster using tricks and companion Iolaus.In memory of the heroism of the gods put Hydra on the sky.
Heart snake
constellation Hydra has only one bright enough light.It Alphard, Alpha heavenly figure.Star name translates as "lonely", which once again highlights the lack of nearby as remarkable objects.Also, light is still somewhat less sonorous names: Heart of the Hydra, the Heart of the Big Serpent, snake retire.Its brightness is estimated at 1.98 magnitude.
Alphard is a triple system.Its main component is 40 times greater than the sun in size and refers to the variable luminaries.Around him revolves a small double star.Alphard is removed from the Sun about 177 light-years.
In ancient Chinese chronicles Alpha Hydra called Red Bird.The reason for this is not hard to find - just find a star in the sky.It has a reddish tint.
Shockwave
However, not only decorates the constellation Hydra Alphard.Driving this heavenly figure includes a few interesting objects.One of them - are R Hydra variable star Mira Ceti.From Earth it separates approximately 538 light-years.Luminary refers to a red giant of spectral class M.
R Hydra apparent brightness varies in the range of 3.21 to 11.00 magnitude.The period for which the light is so radically transformed, is about 390 days.Known R Hydra largely due to the fact that in 2006, the Spitzer Space Telescope made her picture in the infrared range.The picture is clearly visible shock wave generated during braking when approaching interstellar matter to the luminary.Imprinted border is located at a distance of 16.29 astronomical units from the object.The thickness of the shock according to scientists and is 6.188.e. The star is moving at a speed of 50 km / s.Advancing its shock wave of mass 400 times greater than our planet.This picture of the phenomenon at the red giant was first obtained.
nebulae and galaxies
What else can "boast" a constellation of Hydra?Photos of objects placed in its territory, show nebulae and galaxies.In 1785, William Herschel discovered here space education, later called the Ghost of Jupiter.This nebula NGC 3242. It can be seen in amateur telescopes.Before astronomers, it appears in the beautiful blue-green appearance.
constellation Hydra also includes galaxy NGC 3923 and NGC 3621. The latter is bright enough that it can be seen in an amateur telescope.
These inconspicuous constellation of the winter sky as Hydra, attracted the attention of only the most curious amateurs astronomers.But even here, among the dim light, there is a lot of interest for the study.Alphard, galaxies and nebulae, young stars and brown dwarfs - extended Hydra is rich in interesting celestial bodies and education.
