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Taurus Constellation
Constellation Taurus the Bull Star Map

Taurus, the Bull (Tau)

(TOR-us)


The Northern constellation of Taurus, the Bull, is best viewed in Winter during the month of January.

Taurus is the 17th largest constellation. It's brightest star is Aldebaran at magnitude 0.85. The boundary of the Taurus constellation contains 18 stars that host known exoplanets.

      1. Pronunciation:
      2. TOR-us
      1. Meaning:
      2. Bull
      1. Genitive:
      2. Tauri
      1. Abbreviation:
      2. Tau
      1. Constellation Family:
      2. Zodiacal
      1. Hemisphere:
      2. Northern
      1. Quadrant:
      2. NQ1
      1. Visibility:
      2. 90° N - 65° S
      1. Best viewing month*:
      2. January
      1. Area:
      2. 797 sq. degrees
      1. Size:
      2. 17th largest
      1. Right Ascension (avg):
      2. 4h 6m
      1. Declination (avg):
      2. 17°
      1. Brightest star:
      2. Aldebaran   (0.85)
      1. Stars with planets:
      2. 18



    Brightest Stars in Taurus

    The 10 brightest stars in the constellation Taurus by magnitude.

        1. Star
        2. Magnitude
        3. Spectral class



      Double Stars in Taurus

      These are the brightest and easiest-to-find double, triple, and quadruple star systems in the constellation Taurus. Also see all star clusters.

          1. Star system
          2. Magnitudes
          3. Type
          1. Chi Tauri
          2. 5.4, 8.5
          3. double
          1. 118 Tauri
          2. 5.8, 6.7
          3. double



        Star Clusters in Taurus

        The most notable and easy-to-find star clusters in the constellation Taurus . Also see all star clusters.

            1. Star cluster
            2. Catalog #
            3. Cluster type



          Nebulae in Taurus

          Notable and easy-to-find nebulae in the constellation Taurus . Also see all nebulae.

              1. Nebula name
              2. Catalog #
              3. Nebula type



            Galaxies in Taurus

            The most notable galaxies in the constellation Taurus. Also see all galaxies.

                1. Name
                2. Alt name
                3. Type



              Neutron Stars in Taurus

              These are the most well-known neutron stars in the constellation Taurus. Although neutron stars cannot be seen in any amateur telescope, they are at the center of many supernova remnant nebulae, which can be seen. Also see all neutron stars.

                  1. Neutron star
                  2. Type


                The Bull in the Sky

                Among the many constellations that decorate our night sky, Taurus, the Bull, holds a special significance. Known for its mythological associations, easy-to-spot shape, and prominent celestial objects, Taurus offers a wealth of observation opportunities.

                Historical Background

                Taurus is one of the oldest constellations known to humanity, with depictions dating back to the Early Bronze Age. It is part of the zodiac, a band of twelve constellations lying along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun across the sky). The mythological associations of Taurus are plentiful, often linked to the bull form taken by Zeus in Greek mythology.

                Distinctive Characteristics

                Taurus is distinctive for its 'V' shape, formed by the Hyades star cluster, with the bright star Aldebaran representing the bull's eye. The 'V' shape symbolizes the head of the Bull, with the two end stars pointing to the horns. Taurus is also known for the Pleiades, a famous open star cluster that lies within its boundaries.

                Celestial Objects of Interest

                The constellation of Taurus is home to several spectacular celestial objects. The red giant star Aldebaran is the brightest star in Taurus and the 14th brightest star in the sky. Its orange hue is visible even to the naked eye.

                The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is one of the most famous open clusters in the night sky. Although named for seven sisters in Greek mythology, most people can only see six stars with the naked eye. A telescope, however, reveals that the cluster contains many more stars.

                The Hyades, a closer and more spread-out star cluster, forms the head of the Bull. This cluster includes a mix of bright and dim stars, with Aldebaran (which is not a member of the cluster) appearing as the most prominent.

                Taurus also hosts the Crab Nebula (Messier 1), the remnant of a supernova explosion observed by Chinese astronomers in 1054 AD. This nebula, located near the tip of one of the Bull's horns, is one of the most studied objects in the sky due to its importance in the study of supernova remnants.

                Observation

                Taurus is best viewed during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. It is easily located by finding the three bright stars in Orion's Belt, which point towards the direction of Aldebaran. From there, observers can identify the rest of the constellation's pattern.

                While many of Taurus' stars and clusters can be seen with the naked eye, a small telescope or binoculars can enhance the viewing experience, especially for objects such as the Pleiades and the Crab Nebula.

                Taurus, with its deep-rooted historical significance, easily identifiable shape, and wealth of celestial objects, provides a fascinating section of the sky for both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers. Whether you're looking for the vibrant orange hue of Aldebaran, the delicate beauty of the Pleiades, or the dramatic remnants of a long-ago supernova, Taurus is a constellation that offers something for every observer.



                * Constellation shown for northen hemisphere skies. For the southern hemisphere, constellations appear rotated 180 degrees (upside-down and left-right reversed) from what is shown. Remember that seasons are reversed too - summer in northern latitudes is winter in southern latitudes.

                ** Circumpolar constellations are visible year-round in the hemisphere listed (and not at all in the opposite hemisphere).