Fact sheet
- Latin name
- Taurus (Tau)
- Brightest star
- Aldebaran (α Tauri)
- Relative brightness
- 0.85 mag
- Hipparcos catalogue
- HIP 21421
- Area
- 797 deg² (rank: 17 out of 88)
- Right ascension
- 3h 23m 21s to 6h 00m 55s
- Declination
- -1° 20' 46'' to +31° 06' 01''
- Neighbouring constellations
- Auriga, Perseus, Aries, Cetus, Eridanus, Orion, Gemini
Visibility
The constellation Taurus
Taurus is a constellation of the northern hemisphere. It lies on the ecliptic and is therefore one of the zodiac constellations. The ecliptic describes the apparent path of the sun over the course of a year. During this time, the sun passes through all the zodiac constellations. From 13 May to 21 June, the sun is in the constellation Taurus. During this time, the constellation cannot be observed because it is in the daytime sky.
The brightest star of Taurus is α Tauri, which bears the Arabic name Aldebaran (the follower), because it follows the open star clusters of the Hyades and the Pleiades. It is one of the 20 brightest stars in the sky and marks the eye of the bull. It is a so-called red giant, which is already in a late phase of its life. However, it is too light to become a supernova: in the distant future, it will shed its outer layers and end its life as a white dwarf. The Hyades form a V-shaped star cluster, at whose tip Aldebaran appears to stand. In fact, Aldebaran does not belong to it: it is around 67 light years away, the Hyades more than twice as far. The Pleiades are the most beautiful star cluster in the northern sky. They comprise more than a thousand stars, the seven brightest of which are close together. Six of them can be seen with the naked eye.
Mythology
Zeus had fallen in love with Europa, the daughter of King Agenor of Phoenicia. To get closer to her, he took the form of a bull with beautiful white fur and shining horns and mingled with her father's herd. Europa was delighted by the bull, decorated it with flowers and then even sat on its back. Zeus took his chance, ran to the sea and swam with Europa to Crete. Only there did he reveal his true form to the terrified Europa and courted her with countless gifts. Among them was a dog, which later became the constellation Canis Major. In the end, Zeus succeeded in seducing Europa. According to the legend, Europa bore Zeus three children.
Astrological significance
People who were born between 21 April and 21 May are born under the zodiac sign of Taurus. It is difficult to upset their calm, which is why many people also see them as lazy. However, with reason, patience and steadiness, they often achieve more than many other people. But Taurus is not a workaholic. As soon as he has reached his goal, a secure livelihood, he wants to enjoy life in peace.
