The Beehive

High in the sky on Spring nights is the well known - and easy to find with binoculars or a small telescope - Beehive Cluster. Star clusters come in two varieties: open and globular. Open clusters are somewhat loose groupings of stars that appear to be concentrated relative to the surrounding region of stars, and may be gravitationally involved with each other while others merely appear as a grouping because of perspective. One of the finest open clusters is The Beehive, which stands out as a favorite of beginner and seasoned astronomers alike.

Use the accompanying chart to find it tonight!

Located in Cancer (The Crab), this open cluster is set against a backdrop of relatively low star density which heightens the contrast of this already brilliant cluster. Furthermore the Beehive is large, spanning a width greater than twice the disk of the full Moon. Many of the stars are also revealed as double stars with higher magnification, though this cluster is best viewed with binoculars or low-power eyepieces through a telescope. The Beehive is even visible to the naked eye from a reasonably dark site. 

The Beehive also has cultural and historical significance, as it has appeared in records going back to antiquity and was even described by Galileo himself as he turned his telescope to the skies.

Fundraiser update: We’re well on our way with $475 out of $3,500 raised so far - thanks to everyone who’s contributed! If you'd like to help spread the word about our "Community Telescopes" fundraiser, you can visit the GoFundMe link here:

Community Telescopes 2021 Fundraiser

Join Standley Lake Stargazing for “Science & Cinema: Interstellar (Part 2)” Wed. April 7 @ 6:00 PM (Mountain Time) for a discussion of the science portrayed in Christopher Nolan’s space epic! Email register@standleylakestargazing.com to sign up. 

Stay well, and clear skies!