Beehive (M44)

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This is a star cluster similar in nature to the Pleiades and Hyades but is further away and much fainter. It is theoretically visible to the naked eye but needs a dark sky. I’ve only ever seen it in binoculars, although quite small ones will show it clearly. Its name is certainly a good description and I never tire of looking at it.

The above picture was made by looking at the Beehive through my 15x70 binoculars on several occassions and drawing the stars.

It is easiest to find when both Pollux (Beta Geminorum) and Regulus (Alpha Leonis) are both above the horizon, as it is about halfway between the two stars.

The Beehive is centred at RA 8h 40.1m Dec +19 deg 59 min.

The Beehive can be seen from about midnight in November to just after darkness in July.

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