deep-sky
star cluster (open)
M44 – Praesepe
M44, also known as “Praesepe” or the “Beehive Cluster” (other designations: NGC 2632, Cr 189) is a well known open star cluster which can be quite easily observed with the naked eye in the center of the constellation Cancer.
The most suitable time for observing this cluster in northern latitudes is between February and May.
This cluster is one of the nearest open clusters in relation to our own Solar system and lies at a distance of 577 light years.
The age of the cluster is estimated at about 730 million years.
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Image information:
Object info
Name: M44 – Praesepe
Type: Star cluster (open)
Constellation: Cancer
Distance: 577 ly
Date & location
Date: February 21, 2012
Location: Landgraaf, The Netherlands
Equipment & optics
Total integration: 1h9m
Camera: SBIG ST-8300M
Optics: TMB/LOMO 80/480
Mount: Losmandy G-11 Gemini
Image comments
Difficulties with the correct color balance as this is my very first RGB image.
