The stars are wonderfully social: Most of them belong to double or multiple systems, and many travel together in large communities known as open clusters. These celestial gatherings are among the loveliest sights in the sky. And contrary to the common assumption, you do not need a telescope to appreciate them. Binoculars or even a pair of eyes will do, as long as you know where to look.
This month Jupiter points the way to one of the most storied star clusters: the Beehive. Step outside around 9 or 10 p.m. on a clear night. High up, creamy Jupiter outshines every star in the sky. Its steady gleam—planets do not twinkle—dominates the dim surrounding constellation, Cancer. Just to the right of the brilliant planet you will see an eerie little smear of faint light. That is the Beehive.
The Beehive's 350 stars are spread over a patch of sky three ...
