What is the common name for the Cancer cluster?

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The Cancer cluster is commonly known as the Beehive Cluster. This open cluster, scientifically designated as M44, is located in the constellation Cancer and is one of the closest open clusters to Earth. The name "Beehive" comes from the appearance of the cluster, which resembles a swarm of bees or a beehive when viewed through a telescope. It is composed of several hundred stars and is visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions, making it a fascinating target for both amateur and professional astronomers. The Beehive Cluster is also notable for containing stars that are relatively young compared to other stars in our galaxy.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different astronomical objects. The Orion Nebula is a stellar nursery located in the Orion constellation; the Great Hercules Cluster, known as M13, is a globular cluster found within Hercules; and the Virgo Cluster is a massive cluster of galaxies located in the Virgo constellation. While all these objects are significant in their own right, they are distinct from the Beehive Cluster in terms of their composition and location in the night sky.

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