An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The only bright star in the constellation → Hydra, that has a magnitude of about 2 and a reddish color. Alphard is a giant of spectral type K3, and has a → white dwarf→ companion. Alphard is mild barium star probably contaminated by its companion before becoming a white dwarf.

Etymology (EN): Alphard, from Ar. Al-Frad ash-Shuja’ “the solitary of the Serpent,” from Frad “solitary” + Shuja’ “a species of serpent”.