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

Constellation of Cancer is not easy to locate but reward is the star cluster M44 at its centre

The constellation of Cancer, the crab, is now high in the southern sky during the late evening. While not the easiest constellation to locate because it does not contain any truly bright stars, it does offer a reward for patient observation: the star cluster M44, also known as the beehive cluster.

Begin by finding Cancer. It is located halfway between the constellations of Gemini, the twins, and Leo, the lion. The chart shows the view looking south from London at 10pm UK time on 9 March.