Messier 44, or the Bee Hive Cluster, or originally Praesepe (the manger) is near by open cluster at a distance of 577 light years away. The cluster contains some 350 members. Visible to the naked eye, it has been known since ancient times as a "cloudy" star. Interesting its proper motion and age compares to the Hyades cluster suggesting a possible common origin millions of years ago.
Messier 44 (2019)
- Constellation: Cancer
- Right Ascension: 08h 40.4m
- Declination: 19° 59′
- Distance: 577 ly
- Details
- Category: Open Clusters
- Telescope: EDT 80mm Reftactor
- Camera: ZWO A071 Color