Messier 44, also known as the Beehive Cluster, is a prominent open star cluster located in the constellation Cancer. It is one of the nearest clusters to Earth, approximately 577 light-years away, and contains around 1,000 stars. The cluster is easily visible to the naked eye and has been known since ancient times. The Beehive Cluster is about 3.2 billion years old and spans roughly 15 light-years across. It is notable for its bright stars, which are primarily blue and white, and its rich concentration of stars makes it a popular target for amateur astronomers.