The Nautical Almanac # 10 --- Aldebaran, the Eye of The Bull (The Follower of The Pleiades)

The giant orange star referred to as "The Eye of The Bull" is the tenth star listed in the Nautical Almanac. Registered as Alpha Tauri or Alpha Tau, its historical Arabic name, Aldebaran, (Al-dabaran) of the constellation Taurus means "The Follower" (of the Pleiades) as it seems to make its celestial rounds chasing after the Seven Sisters. In ancient Greek it was known as Lampadias, "The Torch". In Aztec culture Aldebaran provided light for the birthing Pleiades. In Hindu mythology it was the granddaughter of the Moon (Chandra), and was called Rohini, "The Red One." In Zoroastrianism it was considered one of the "Four Regal Stars" along with Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut. In other cultures Aldebaran is associated with rain and rivers. In Sidereal Astrology, Aldebaran is associated with the Summer Solstice. 

Aldebaran is one of a handful of stars that has its own astrological properties. It is considered a fortunate star, conferring riches and honor. In gem lore, it is associated with the ruby. In Kabbalah, it has its own sigil.

Aldebaran is 44 times the size of the Sun and shines with 425 times the Sun's luminosity. It is a first magnitude star that is about 65 light years from Earth. It burns at about 6600 degrees Fahrenheit. Astronomers calculate that the Sun is visible from Aldebaran, albeit as a small and unimportant sixth magnitude star. Aldebaran has at least one gas giant planet circling it, about 12 times the size of Jupiter.