Gamma Hydrae

Template:Short description Template:Starbox begin Template:Starbox image Template:Starbox observe Template:Starbox character Template:Starbox astrometry Template:Starbox detail Template:Starbox orbit Template:Starbox catalog Template:Starbox reference Template:Starbox end Gamma Hydrae (γ Hya, γ Hydrae) is a binary star in the equatorial constellation of Hydra. It has an apparent visual magnitude of 3.0, placing it second in brightness among the members of this generally faint constellation. Based upon parallax measurements made during the Hipparcos mission, this star is at a distance of around Template:Convert from Earth.

Characteristics

The stellar spectrum of the primary matches a stellar classification of G8 III, with the luminosity class of III indicating it has evolved into a giant star after exhausting the supply of hydrogen at its core. It has nearly three times the mass of the Sun and 12.5 times the Sun's radius.Template:Efn The star is radiating 97 times the Sun's luminosity from its outer atmosphere at an effective temperature of 5,127 K. This heat gives it the yellow glow of a K-type star. Despite having reached an advanced stage in its evolution, it is considerably younger than the Sun with an age of around 372 million years. This is because higher mass stars consume their nuclear fuel at a more rapid rate.

The secondary component component, named Gamma Hydrae B, shares a common proper motion with the primary star. Radial velocity observations confirmed it to be physically bound to Gamma Hydrae A. It has around 60% the mass of the Sun and is located at 1.6" from the primary. The physical separation is either 67.5 or 159 astronomical units.

In culture

γ Hya appears on the flag of Brazil, symbolising the state of Acre.