Alphard

Alphard (α Hydrae) is a orange bright giant star in the constellation Hydra. With an apparent magnitude of 1.98 it is the 47th-brightest star in the night sky.

Finder chart showing where Alphard is in the constellation Hydra
Alphard (circled) in Hydra, with the surrounding constellations and bright stars.
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Facts

ConstellationHydra
Designationα Hydrae (Alpha Hydrae), HR 3748
Apparent magnitude1.98 (47th brightest)
Spectral typeK3II-III
Colororange (B−V 1.44)
Distance—
Right ascension9 h 27.6 min
Declination−8.66°
Best monthMarch (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find Alphard

Alphard is in Hydra. From 40° N it is highest in the south in March evenings, about 41° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 64° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Regulus (23° away), Procyon (30° away) and Suhail (35° away).

Hydra constellation →

Other named stars in Hydra

AshleshaUkdahZhangMinchirFelis

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