The Beehive star cluster, aka Messier 44, or the Praesepe, in Cancer, set in a relatively wide-field that includes the stars Asellus Borealis (above) and Asellus Australis (below) flanking the Beehive. They are also known, respectively, as Gamma and Delta Cancri. The field is roughly 7.5° by 5°, about the field of view of binoculars. This is a stack of 25 x 1-minute unguided exposures with the Canon R6 at ISO 1600 and the Sharpstar 61EDPH refractor at f/4.5. This was part of testing the new replacement lens sent by Sharpstar. Diffraction spikes and star glows added with AstronomyTools actions for artistic effect.
Messier (M) 44, aka the Beehive Cluster or the Praesepe, in Cancer, shot on a night with high thin haze, adding the star glows. The cluster is framed to include its flanking stars Asellus Borealis (Gamma Cancri) at top and Asellus Australis (Delta Cancri) at bottom. North is up. Several tiny 15th magnitude galaxies are in the field, despite the less than ideal sky conditions. This is a stack of 19 x 4-minute exposures at ISO 800 with the Canon EOS Ra, and through the SharpStar 94mm EDPH api refractor and its reducer/flattener at f/4.5.
M44 the Beehive or Praesepe star cluster in Cancer. This is a stack of 4 x 4 minute exposures at ISO 800 with the Canon 7D on the TMB 92mm apo refractor with Borg 0.85x reducer/flattener for f/4.5. Taken on a slightly hazy night, April 22, 2011 using AP 600E mount and SG4 autoguider.
