Alphard


Alphard (α Hydrae) is the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. It is 180 light-years (ly) away and has an apparent magnitude of 1.98 mag.

Alphard has an optical companion (optical double star) at a distance of 281″ at 153°, a blue star of magnitude 10, without physical reference.

Alphard
Constellation Hydra
Right ascension 09h 27m 35.24s
Declination -08° 39′ 31″
Apparent magnitude 1.99 mag
Distance (180.3 ± 1.8)
Bayer designation α Hydrae
Bright Star Catalogue HR 3748
Hipparcos Catalogue HIP 46390
SAO Catalogue SAO 136871
Position of Alphard (α Hydrae) in the constellation Hydra. Chart: International Astronomical Union in collaboration with the magazine Sky & Telescope