Beehive Cluster (M44)

Beehive Cluster (M44) is a open cluster in the constellation Cancer, with an apparent magnitude of 3.1. It is about 610 light-years away.

Finder chart for the Beehive Cluster (M44) in the constellation Cancer
the Beehive Cluster (M44) (circled) in Cancer. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 44 (M44)
Typeopen cluster
ConstellationCancer
Apparent magnitude3.1
Distanceabout 610 light-years
Right ascension8 h 40.4 min
Declination+19.67°
Best monthMarch (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Beehive Cluster

The Beehive Cluster is in Cancer. From 40° N it is highest in the south in March evenings, about 70° up. From 35° S it reaches about 35° in the north. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky and easy in binoculars.

Cancer constellation →

Other Messier objects in Cancer

Messier 67 (M67)

The Messier catalog →

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