VW Hydri [SEP] constellation
VW Hydri
VW Hydri is a dwarf nova of the SU Ursae Majoris type in the deep southern constellation Hydrus; a star system that consists of a white dwarf and another generally cool star. It is one of the brightest dwarf novae systems in the sky. These systems are characterised by frequent eruptions and less frequent supereruptions. The former are smooth, while the latter exhibit short "superhumps" of heightened activity. The white dwarf sucks matter from the other star onto an accretion disc and periodically erupts, reaching apparent magnitude 8.4
their Bayer designations in 1756. Its name means "male water snake", as opposed to Hydra, a much larger constellation that represents a female water snake. It remains below the horizon for most Northern Hemisphere observers.
The brightest star is the 2.8-magnitude Beta Hydri, also the closest reasonably bright star to the south celestial pole. Pulsating between magnitude 3.26 and 3.33, Gamma Hydri is a variable red giant 60 times the diameter of our Sun. Lying near it is VW Hydri, one of the brightest dwarf novae in