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Zodiacal•Tau
Taurus
Taurus
Description
Taurus is one of the oldest and most recognizable constellations in the sky. It contains two of the most famous star clusters: the Pleiades (M45) and the Hyades. Aldebaran, its brightest star, forms the bull's eye with its characteristic orange color.
Mythology and History
Taurus represents the bull that Zeus transformed into to abduct Europa, a Phoenician princess. It is also associated with the Minotaur of Crete. The Pleiades, the famous star cluster in Taurus, were the seven daughters of Atlas.
How to Observe
Visible from November to March. The Pleiades are easily visible to the naked eye as a small cluster of stars. Aldebaran stands out for its reddish-orange color.
Main Stars
Aldebarán
Brightest star • mag 0.85
Elnath
Alcyone
Atlas
Electra
Quick Facts
Brightest starAldebarán
Magnitude0.85
Area797 square degrees
Best seasonWinter
HemisphereNorthern
TypeZodiacal