Ardra (nakshatra)

Ardra (आर्द्रा), meaning "wetness", is the sixth nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Hindu astronomy, also called Rudra. It is represented by the star γ Geminorum (Alhena) in the constellation Gemini, but is frequently misidentified as Betelgeuse in Orion. The nakshatras are evenly spaced 13°20 apart, corresponding to the mean daily motion of the Moon, but Betelgeuse is only 5° from the neighboring nakshatra Mrigashira (λ Orionis). Alhena is a better match for Ardra's position.