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Space

How to spot the Beehive cluster in the constellation of Cancer

Nestled within the faintest of the zodiacal constellations, the Beehive cluster can be tricky to find, but these stars are worth the effort, says Abigail Beall

By Abigail Beall

29 March 2023

FGGJAF M44 - Praesepe also known as the Beehive Cluster - an open star cluster in the constellation of Cancer

Steven Milne/Alamy

SOME constellations force you to look at them. Their brightest stars are so clear, even in a night sky full of light pollution, that they draw you in. Others sit there quietly, waiting for you to find them.

This week, we are looking for one of the latter. Cancer is a humble constellation, nestled in between its louder neighbours Gemini and Leo. Without any particularly bright stars of its own, Cancer is the faintest of all the zodiacal constellations, which makes it tricky to find. But once you have spotted it, there will be something beautiful waiting for you: …

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