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Credit & Copyright: Wil Milan
Explanation:
M44 is a prominent
open cluster of stars. Nicknamed
Praesepe and "The Beehive", it is one of the few
open clusters visible to the unaided eye.
M44
was thought to be a
nebula until
Galileo
used an early telescope to resolve the
cluster's bright blue stars. These stars are visible in the
above image.
M44, which is thought to have formed
about 400 million years ago, is larger and older than most
other open clusters.
The Beehive Cluster lies about 580 light-years away,
and spans about 10 light-years across.
When viewed with a powerful telescope,
hundreds of stars become visible.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: M 44 - open cluster
Publications with words: M 44 - open cluster
See also: