Little Beehive Cluster

Pierre Moutounet-Cartan
Mar 4
1 min read

About this object

Messier 41 (M41), also known as NGC 2287 or the Little Beehive Cluster, is a stunning open cluster located in the constellation Canis Major, making it a delightful target for amateur astronomers. Discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654—and possibly even observed by Aristotle around 325 BC—this cluster lies just four degrees south of Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Together with Nu2 Canis Majoris, these three objects form a roughly equilateral triangle that fits beautifully within the same binocular field of view. Spanning an area about the size of the full Moon, M41 contains around 100 stars, including several red giants and white dwarfs. The brightest star in the cluster is a K3-type red giant with an apparent magnitude of 6.3, located near its center. At an estimated age of 190 million years, M41 is a relatively young cluster, though its dynamics suggest it will disperse in about 500 million years. Located approximately 2,300 light-years away, this cluster is moving away from us at 23.3 km/s and spans 25–26 light-years in diameter. With its rich star field and easy visibility in binoculars or small telescopes, M41 is a must-see for stargazers exploring the winter sky. Its proximity to Sirius makes it an especially convenient and rewarding target for observers of all levels.