φ Tau Position and Visibility Tonight
Where is φ Tau right now?
φ Tau is located in the constellation Taurus. It is currently above the horizon at an altitude of 34° toward the east, with an apparent magnitude of 5.08.
φ Tau visibility on 2026-10-24
φ Tau Visible from before midnight until sunrise
φ Tau rise and set timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
Moonrise, 88% illuminated  | 14:51 | -22° |
| φ Tau rise | 17:45 | |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 17:47 | 0° |
| φ Tau transit | 01:16 | 80° |
| Moonset | 03:47 | 57° |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:57 | 55° |
| Twilight end (−12°) | 04:27 | 49° |
| Civil sunrise | 04:58 | 43° |
| Sunrise | 05:25 | 37° |
| φ Tau set | 08:48 |
Track φ Tau position throughout the night
← 24 October 2026 →
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| Altitude | |
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Shift the map to change the time and observe φ Tau changing position in the night sky.
Star system description: φ Tau
A double or multiple star system in Taurus.
No reliable observing recommendation is available for the measured pair.
The diagram uses the latest WDS measurements; north is up and east is right. Measurements may be from different years. Unconnected groups are arranged separately; close pairs may merge, and pairs without reliable geometry are omitted.
Technical details: φ Tau
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| System identifier | WDS 04204+2721 |
| Bayer / Flamsteed designation | φ Tau |
| Constellation | Taurus |
| System type | multiple star system |
| Right ascension (RA) | 04h 20m 21s" |
| Declination (Dec) | 27° 21' 03s |
| Component | AB |
| Primary magnitude | 5.08 |
| Secondary magnitude | 7.51 |
| Separation (arcseconds) | 48.7″ |
| Position angle | 259° |
| Discovery year | 1832 |
| Last observed | 2017 |
| Spectral type (primary/secondary) | K2III |
| Number of observations | 49 |
3 components are identified in WDS; this is not a count of resolved stars.
Components of φ Tau
Each row is a separate WDS component pair. Measurements may come from different years.
| Component | Primary magnitude | Secondary magnitude | Separation (arcseconds) | Position angle | Last observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | 5.08 | 7.51 | 48.7″ | 259° | 2017 |
| AC | 5.08 | 12.27 | 118.1″ | 25° | 2001 |
Data source: Washington Double Star (WDS) Catalog. Maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory; thanks to the WDS team.
Finder Chart for φ Tau
φ Tau Passage Through Night
Double-click to unlock the map.
Current position of φ Tau
| Time | 20:50 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | 34° |
| Azimuth | 79° |
Here you can see the current position of φ Tau on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
When Is φ Tau Visible Throughout the Year?
φ Tau will remain visible until April 16, when it moves too close to the Sun and temporarily disappears from the night sky.
| Date | Sun, 25 October 2026 |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 17:45 |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:55 |
| Astronomical observing duration | 10h 10m |
| Rise | 17:41 |
| Set | 08:44 |
| Elevation at transit | 80° |
| Transit time | 01:12 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 04h 20m 21s", Dec: 27° 21' 03s |
| Magnitude | 5 |
| Constellation | Taurus |
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of φ Tau, including its daily appearances and transit times. The vertical axis shows the hours of the day and the horizontal axis spans the year. The reddish area marks when the object is above the horizon, while the white line marks its daily transit.
You can also see when φ Tau is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
You can also see when φ Tau is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of φ Tau
Coordinates and Visibility
| Right Ascension | 04h 20m 21s |
| Declination | 27° 21′ 03″ |
| Magnitude | 5.08 |
| Constellation | Taurus |
| Elevation | 33.8° |
| Azimuth | 79.4° |