How to View Taurus

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:ViewTaurus
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How to View Taurus

Introduction

Taurus, the bull, is an easy constellation to find. Taurus is best viewed in January despite the birth sign being specific to late April or May. It's a great marker that can help locate planets as they cruise around the solar system.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Look for a constellation that resembles the top of a champagne flute. Print a free star chart to help you. Taurus is wedged comfortably between Gemini and Aries in the zodiac line up.
2

Step Two

Find the brightest star of the two that form the top rim of the champagne flute. These two stars are considered to be the tips of the bull's horns. The brightest one is Elnath. It's name means "burning one," an appropriate title for a star 300 times more luminous than our sun.
3

Step Three

Locate the brightest star in the constellation near the base of the horns or the head of the bull. This star is Aldebaran. It stands out and is a red giant like our sun. In its final throes it has grown to approximately 40 times the size of our sun.
4

Step Four

Look for the Pleiades above the rear of the bull, as if it were standing on its feet. The Pleiades is a star cluster that resembles a small dipper. Although interesting on its own, the cluster is considered to be in Taurus.
5

Step Five

Find the constellation Orion and look at it in relation to the bull. Taurus is thought to be one of the animals Orion the hunter is chasing.

Tips & Warnings

  • Elnath has a variety of spellings. Your chart may not agree exactly. Look for a similar word.
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