This week, the night sky offers a spectacular view of one of humanity's oldest celestial companions: the constellation Taurus, the Bull. Recorded for millennia, this zodiacal formation is a stunning sight for stargazers across the UK and beyond.
The Ancient History of the Bull
Recognised in its modern form as one of the oldest constellations, Taurus has a profound historical legacy. Babylonian astronomers documented it as the "bull of heaven" around 1000BC. However, evidence suggests our connection to this star pattern is far more ancient. Astonishingly, cave drawings discovered in Lascaux, France, indicate that humans may have associated this group of stars with a bull roughly 14,000 years earlier.
Situated on the ecliptic—the Sun's apparent yearly path across the sky—Taurus is classified as a zodiacal constellation. Its most prominent feature is the brilliant red giant star Aldebaran. The name, derived from Arabic, fittingly means "the follower" or is often interpreted as the "eye of the bull," marking the creature's fierce gaze.
Celestial Treasures Within Taurus
The constellation is not just about a single star; it hosts two magnificent star clusters easily visible without optical aid. The first is the Hyades cluster, a V-shaped collection of stars near Aldebaran that forms the distinct face of the bull.
Lying on the bull's shoulder is the second and perhaps more famous cluster: the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters. This tight, sparkling group is a favourite among observers, with the star Alcyone as its brightest member. On a clear night, both clusters present a breathtaking spectacle.
How and When to Spot Taurus
For observers in London and across the UK, the charts indicate the perfect viewing time this week. Look south to south-east at 20.00 GMT to find Taurus dominating that portion of the heavens. Its position on the ecliptic also means it is readily observable from the Southern Hemisphere, making it a truly global celestial landmark.
Whether you're an avid astronomer or a casual sky-watcher, taking a moment to behold Taurus connects you with countless generations who have looked up and seen the same mighty bull in the stars.
