Taurus Constellation

Taurus Astronomically Speaking

The constellation Taurus the Bull (Golden Calf in the Bible) lies northwest of the belt of Orion (see star map) and is in the shape of a V with horns long and extended. It is one of the most prominent northern constellations and contains two of the largest star clusters, Pleiades and Hyades, which can be seen without a telescope.

The Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, is the most famous open star cluster in the sky and forms the Bull’s shoulder.

Hyades, also an open star cluster, forms the great V of the Bull’s face. The most noticeable feature of the V is the orange star Aldebaran or “Eye of the Bull.” This orange giant is the brightest star in Taurus. Aldebaran, 60 light years away from Earth, means “the follower” (of the Pleiades) in Arabic.

Last updated on October 22, 2014 at 8:34 am. Word Count: 137