The Beehive open star cluster or Messier44

 

Messier 44 The Beehive open star cluster in the constellation Cancer the Crab. A image compiled from a stack of lights or subs taken with the Observatory 127mm Meade Apo refractor.  Image credit: Kurt Thrust.

" The availability of much improved image processing software has enabled us to create a much improved image of this large and wonderful open star cluster. The Beehive is approximately 600 light years distant from Earth, so in astronomical terms a relatively close neighbour. It contains about a 1000 stars and although they include many  on the main sequence, there are also red giants and white dwarfs in the mix. Red giant and white dwarf stars represent the latter stages of stellar evolution. The central part of the cluster is approximately 23 light years in diameter. The Beehive Cluster has many similarities to the Hyades Cluster in the constellation Taurus, which include age and proper motion, . In 2012 two extrasolar planets were discovered orbiting two separate stars in M44. These planets were determined to be 'hot Jupiters' that is gas giant planets orbiting their stars at a very close distance. 

The Beehive Cluster can be seen with the naked eye from a dark location and presents as a small white cloud. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope at low magnification reveals a beautiful jewel of a star cluster. Cancer is a very dim constellation, so finding the Beehive can be difficult but is well worth the effort. Look for it in winter and spring between the bright constellations Leo Major(The Lion) and Gemini (The Twins). The view through binoculars is better than any image of it that I have seen"- Karl Segin out-reach coordinator at the Jodrell Plank Observatory.

Map showing the location of our image in Cancer the Crab. Credit: Astrometry. net