Aldebaran

/ælˈdɛbərən/ noun

Definition

The brightest star in the constellation Taurus, located about 65 light-years from Earth.

Etymology

From Arabic al-dabarān, meaning 'the follower' or 'the pursuer,' because it appears to follow the Pleiades across the night sky. The name was recorded by Islamic astronomers.

Kelly Says

Aldebaran is one of the oldest names in astronomy—ancient astronomers watched it chase the Pleiades across the sky every night, not knowing it was actually 65 light-years away, a cosmic illusion!

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