How to see Beehive Cluster M44 in Cancer Constellation during March 2024 dark nights

The Beehive Cluster is 3 times wider than a full moon but very dim. You must stay in the dark for 20 minutes to see it between Gemini and Leo.
By Newsroom | Astronomy, New Delhi |

New Delhi - For the stargazing public, the constellation Cancer, or the Crab, offers a visual prize in the form of the open star cluster M44, commonly known as the Beehive Cluster. This celestial grouping, however, presents a challenge due to the absence of exceptionally bright stars within its constellation boundaries, demanding patience and specific viewing conditions.

Starwatch: patience is needed to observe Cancer’s beehive cluster - 1

The Beehive Cluster, M44, is now visible in the southern sky during late evening hours. For observers in the southern hemisphere, Cancer appears lower in the sky and towards the northwest. The cluster itself spans an area approximately three times the diameter of a full moon. To optimize viewing, individuals are advised to seek locations significantly removed from urban light pollution and allow their eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness.

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Starwatch: patience is needed to observe Cancer’s beehive cluster - 2

While March's evening sky offers navigational aids like the brilliantly shining 'Venus' and a 'crescent moon', these celestial events may not necessarily enhance the visibility of the Beehive Cluster itself. In fact, reports suggest that the Beehive Cluster is best observed against a dark sky, notably without the moon's presence. This suggests that for clear observation of M44, the presence of these other celestial bodies might, at best, serve as markers rather than enhancers.

Starwatch: patience is needed to observe Cancer’s beehive cluster - 3

Cancer is situated between the prominent stars 'Castor' and 'Pollux' of Gemini and 'Regulus' of Leo. The constellation is described as not readily apparent, often resulting in a viewing experience where "you see, well, nothing much." For those in the Northern Hemisphere, an alternative viewing window exists during the pre-dawn hours of autumn.

Starwatch: patience is needed to observe Cancer’s beehive cluster - 4

The Beehive Cluster, M44, is a notable open star cluster, a collection of stars loosely bound by gravity. Its designation as M44 places it within Charles Messier's catalogue of deep-sky objects, compiled to distinguish nebulae and star clusters from comets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can people in New Delhi see the Beehive Cluster in March 2024?
Look at the southern sky during the late evening hours. It is located between the bright stars of Gemini and Leo, but you must find a very dark spot away from city lights to see it.
Q: Why is the Cancer constellation hard to find for stargazers right now?
Cancer does not have any very bright stars, which makes it look like an empty part of the sky. This means you need to use the stars Castor, Pollux, and Regulus as maps to find the middle area where Cancer sits.
Q: How much time do your eyes need to see the M44 cluster clearly?
Your eyes need at least 20 minutes to get used to the dark sky. This adjustment time helps you see the faint glow of the stars that make up the cluster, which is about three times wider than a full moon.
Q: Does the bright moon help or hurt when looking for the Beehive Cluster?
The bright moon makes it much harder to see the Beehive Cluster because the extra light hides the dim stars. It is best to look for M44 on nights when the moon is not in the sky.