When to photograph M 44 (Beehive Cluster)
M 44, the Beehive Cluster, is an open cluster in Cancer, 109′ across at magnitude 3.1. Also listed as NGC 2632.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are December to February, with up to 9.0 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 65° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are January to March, with up to 3.5 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in January. It reaches 35° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 109′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 170 to 400 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 270 to 610 mm.
Filters and the moon
Clusters are broadband targets, but bright ones tolerate some moonlight and light pollution. Short subs keep the brightest stars from clipping. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows M 44's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 67 8.3° away
- NGC 2683 UFO Galaxy 14.0° away
- NGC 2775 14.6° away
- NGC 2392 Eskimo Nebula 16.7° away
- NGC 2419 23.4° away
- M 48 26.3° away
Gear that suits M 44
M 44 is 109′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- William Optics RedCat 51 250 mm f/4.9: fills 51% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- William Optics RedCat 61 300 mm f/4.9: fills 61% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Askar FRA400 400 mm f/5.6: fills 81% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
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