Hydra
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Hydra is the largest constellation in the night sky, stretching across a vast area near the celestial equator where the sky is divided into northern and southern hemispheres. It matters to astronomers and stargazers because its size and position make it an important reference point for mapping and studying the heavens.
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Hydra is the largest of the 88 modern constellations, measuring 1303 square degrees, and also the longest at over 100 degrees. Its southern end borders Libra and Centaurus and its northern end borders Cancer. It was included among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. Commonly represented as a water snake, it straddles the celestial equator.
History and mythology