Taurus
Where is Taurus?
Look south, about 56° up at 04:33.
- Rises
- 20:54
- Highest
- 04:33
- Sets
- 12:16
- Best after dark
- 04:33 · 56°
How to find Taurus
Start with Aldebaran, Taurus’s brightest star (mag 0.9). Nearby constellations include Orion, Aries, Auriga and Perseus.
Its center is at right ascension 4h 30m, declination +18°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Taurus
Taurus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in December. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 85° N to 49° S.
From London tonight, Taurus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest after dark at 04:33, in the south at 56°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Taurus
Eyes
Its brightest star, Aldebaran, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Taurus (genitive Tauri, abbreviated Tau) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Aldebaran, magnitude 0.9.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 11 named stars and 3 deep-sky objects in Taurus.
Brightest stars and objects in Taurus
Questions
What is the brightest star in Taurus?
When is Taurus visible?
Can I see Taurus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences