Touro
Bull (Tauri)
Taurus, the Bull, is one of the oldest documented constellations, with cave paintings depicting it dating back 17,000 years. This zodiacal constellation features the bright orange star Aldebaran and two of the sky's most famous star clusters: the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) and the Hyades. The V-shaped face of the bull, formed by the Hyades, is one of the most recognizable patterns in the night sky.
📜 Mitologia
Taurus represents Zeus in disguise as a magnificent white bull. To abduct the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa, Zeus transformed himself into a gentle, white bull that approached Europa on the beach. Charmed by the creature, she climbed onto its back, whereupon Zeus carried her across the sea to Crete. There she became the mother of King Minos and gave her name to the continent of Europe. Only the front half of the bull is depicted in the sky.
💡 Fatos curiosos
- ✦The Pleiades (M45) is one of the nearest star clusters to Earth and has been recognized by virtually every human culture
- ✦The Crab Nebula (M1), the remnant of a supernova observed in 1054 CE, lies in Taurus
- ✦Aldebaran appears to be part of the Hyades but is actually much closer at 65 light-years versus 150 light-years