Astrophotography by David Gares

Beehive Open Cluster M44
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The Beehive Cluster M44, also known as Praesepe (Latin for "manger"), was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as a nebulous patch visible to the naked eye.  They considered the manger a place where celestial donkeys were fed.  It was first resolved into stars by Galileo after the telescope was invented.   The cluster is a nice target for binoculars and small telescopes.

 Object Details:  
 
 Type:  Open Cluster
 Constellation:  Cancer
 Distance:  577 light-years

 
m44beehivetak.jpg

M44 Beehive Open Cluster
Date:  11/07/2010
Site:  Harahan, LA
Conditions:  Cannot Recall
Exposure:  60 x 1 min
Filters:  IDAS LPS-P48
Processing:  MSB Astroart 5.0
Telescope:  4" Tak FSQ-106N
Reducer:  None (f/5.0)
Image CCD:  SX SXV-H9C
Guide CCD:  SX  MX7C
Guide Scope:  Vixen ED80Sf