Messier 44 (M44)

Overview

Messier 44 (M44), also known as the Beehive Cluster or Praesepe (Latin for “manger”), is a bright open star cluster located in the constellation Cancer, approximately 610 light-years away. It is one of the closest and most prominent open clusters, making it easily visible to the naked eye under dark skies. Spanning about 11 light-years across, the cluster contains around 1,000 stars, with an apparent magnitude of 3.7, appearing as a misty patch to the unaided eye.

M44 is an ancient cluster, estimated to be about 600 million years old, and it is rich in both main-sequence stars and red giants. Its stellar composition and age make it similar to the Hyades Cluster in Taurus, and the two are thought to share a common origin. The Beehive Cluster has been studied extensively for its stellar population, including variable stars and binary systems. Historically, the cluster was noted by ancient astronomers, including Ptolemy, and was even mentioned by Galileo, who resolved it into individual stars with his telescope. Its bright and compact nature makes it an excellent target for binoculars or small telescopes.