Mars and the Beehive
On the evenings of June 1 and a pair of, 2023, you possibly can spot Mars because it passes by way of a background star cluster often known as the Beehive in Cancer the Crab. In truth, Mars seems as an enormous, brilliant ruby surrounded by tiny diamonds of distant stars.
First, to search out Mars, search for good Venus within the west, which at magnitude -4.3, needs to steal the present. You might also discover two brilliant stars strung out to 1 facet of Venus. These are the dual stars in Gemini, Pollux and Castor. Above Venus and this duo is a brilliant, reddish mild … that’s Mars. And in the event you’re in a dark-sky site or have binoculars, you possibly can spot the smattering of stars beside the crimson planet.
A more in-depth take a look at the Beehive star cluster
You’ll need binoculars to get a superb take a look at simply a few of the 1,000 stars within the Beehive. Whilst you can spot the cluster together with your eyes alone, they’ll seem as a misty patch. Nevertheless, with optical help, the true nature of this star cluster comes alive.
The celebrities on this cluster lie about 577 light-years distant. So if you gaze on the Beehive, take into consideration what number of planets may reside amongst these 1,000 stars. We already know of at the least two.

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Backside line: Spot Mars and the Beehive star cluster collectively on June 1 and a pair of, 2023. You’ll need binoculars to get a superb view of the starry cluster making a glowing background for the crimson planet.
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Our charts are largely set for the northern half of Earth. To see a exact view out of your location, strive Stellarium Online.