Tau is a relatively quiet and reliable star, designated as a magnitude 5.441 and located in the constellation Tau. Within the constellation, it occupies the position of the M5 star cluster, an area known for its relatively consistent stellar brightness. T
The star’s recognisable features for this context lie primarily in its apparent position in the sky. During the early hours of the night, and particularly with a sharp view toward the northern horizon, it exhibits a distinct yellowish hue. The luminosity of Tau is not exceptional, residing within the middle-ranked stars within the Tau cluster. Given its magnitude, it offers a stable visual point for observation - useful for tracking movement in the heavens.
Given a moment of reflection, this seemingly simple star represents a significant point of reference, a stable and enduring body of light within our galactic neighborhood. It offers a testament to the enduring nature of the cosmos and provides a consistent point of contact within the vastness of space.
How to see it
Celaeno has a visual magnitude of about 5.44: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.
Sky position
Equatorial coordinates for Celaeno: right ascension 3h 44m 48s, declination +24° 17′ 21″ (J2000), in the region of the Taurus constellation (IAU figure Tau).
Catalog context
Celaeno. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 16 Tau, HIP 17489, HD 23288, Gaia DR3 65287458566524928. In the SkyKeepsake Taurus (Tau) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.
Catalog identifiers
- Gaia
- Gaia DR3 65287458566524928
- HIP
- 17489
- HD
- 23288
- gaia_dr3
- 65287458566524928
- Bayer / Flamsteed
- 16 Tau
Also known as
- 16 Tau
- Gaia DR3 TOP 5M 65287458566524928
- HD 23288
- HIP 17489
Observed properties
- Visual magnitude
- 5.44