0.86
Apparent Mag65.3
Distance (ly)K5III
Spectral Type3,910
Temperature (K)Aldebaran is the brightest star in Taurus and the fourteenth-brightest in the night sky. It is an orange giant that appears to be part of the Hyades cluster but is actually much closer. Pioneer 10 is heading toward Aldebaran.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude0.86
Absolute Magnitude-0.63
Distance65.3 light-years
Spectral TypeK5III
Temperature3,910 K
Luminosity439 L☉
Radius44.13 R☉
Mass1.16 M☉
Right Ascension04h 35m 55.2s
Declination+16° 30′ 33.5″
ConstellationTaurus
Notable Facts
- Aldebaran appears to be in the Hyades cluster but is actually only half the distance
- Its name means the follower in Arabic, as it follows the Pleiades across the sky
- Pioneer 10 is heading toward Aldebaran and will arrive in about 2 million years