Clusters & Stars
The Beehive Cluster
The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44), one of the nearest open star clusters, in Cancer – photographed by Pete Lawrence.
Target details
The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) is an open star cluster in Cancer, roughly 520–610 light-years away. It's one of the closest open clusters to us and has more stars than most of its near neighbours.
Capture details
Data captured 14th February, 2016.
20x 2 minute exposures at ISO400.
Equipment details
Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100
Skywatcher ST-80
QHY5L-II
Processing details
This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.
Quick facts
- What is The Beehive Cluster?
- The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) is an open star cluster in Cancer, roughly 520–610 light-years away. It's one of the closest open clusters to us and has more stars than most of its near neighbours.
- Where is it in the sky?
- In the constellation Cancer.
- What are its catalogue names?
- M44
- When was this photo taken?
- 14 February 2016
- What equipment was used?
- Orion Europa 200, NEQ6 Pro, Nikon d7100, Skywatcher ST-80, QHY5L-II
- Where was it taken from?
- Lisburn, Northern Ireland.