Hydra – The Water Snake

Hydra is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Hydra is one of the 42 constellations that represents an animal.

Symbolism: Hydra is also known as ‘The Water Snake’

 

History & Mythology

Hydra has been known by many different cultures and represents many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Hydra represents a monster that was slain by Hercules. Hydra is the largest of all of the 88 constellations, and is number 1 size ranking. Hydra is so large as a constellation that it spans through the northern and southern celestial hemispheres, and stretches over one quarter the way around the night sky.  

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Hydra is bordered by constellations Virgo, Antila, Cancer, Sextans, Canis Minor, Pyxis, Centaurus, Puppis, Corvus, Monoceros, Crater, Leo, Libra & Lupus.   

Sky Chart #: 5

Star Raking: The largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Hydra consists of 17 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alphard.

 

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Hydra has 18 stars with planets.

# 2. Hydra has 3 deep-sky objects. M68, M83 & NGC 3242.

# 3. Alphard is the brightest star in Hydra.

 

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Hydra also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Hydra have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Hydra?

Q. How many stars have planets in Hydra?

Q. What number star ranking is Hydra in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Hydra Constellation here: Hyrda Constellation (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more info on the Hydra Constellation visit www.easyscienceforkids.com/Hydra