Praesepe
open cluster · Cancer · 3.1ᵐ
The Beehive Cluster — one of the nearest open clusters at 600 light years. It looks like a hazy patch to the eye, while binoculars resolve dozens of stars.
Notable facts
Covers about 3.1 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Praesepe in?
Praesepe lies in Cancer.
Is Praesepe visible to the naked eye?
3.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Praesepe?
Best observed in January.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 8h 40m · +19° 59′
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Cancer
- How to observe
- 3.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 95′
- Designation
- M44 · NGC 2632 · Praesepe
Observing tip
Best in binoculars or a telescope at low power, so the whole cluster fits in the field of view.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 50° | 47° |
| +55° | 55° | 53° |
| +45° | 65° | 61° |
| +30° | 80° | 67° |
| 0° | 70° | 70° |
| −35° | 35° | 65° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 00:55 |
| February | 22:47 |
| March | 21:02 |
| April | 19:09 |
| May | 17:14 |
| June | 15:08 |
| July | 13:04 |
| August | 11:03 |
| September | 09:10 |
| October | 07:21 |
| November | 05:21 |
| December | 03:12 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.