Taurusastrology and astronomy
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![Taurus, illumination from a Book of Hours, Italian, c. 1475; in the Pierpont Morgan Library, …[Credits : Courtesy of the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, the Glazier Collection]](http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/96/4596-003-5F8AFE6A.gif "Taurus, illumination from a Book of Hours, Italian, c. 1475; in the Pierpont Morgan Library, …[Credits : Courtesy of the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, the Glazier Collection]")
in astronomy, zodiacal constellation lying between Aries and Gemini, at about 4 hours 20 minutes right ascension (the coordinate on the celestial sphere analogous to longitude on the Earth) and 16° north declination (angular distance north of the celestial equator). The constellation’s brightest star, Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri), is of the first magnitude. The constellation also contains the Crab Nebula (M1) and the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters.
In astrology, Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, considered as governing that portion of the year from about April 20 to May 20. Its representation as a bull is related to the Greek myth of Zeus, who assumed the form of a bull to abduct Europa.
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