Astra's Space News Summary: Mars Buzzes The Beehive

Hi, everyone, it's Astra here, bringing you the latest and greatest from space and astronomy news! This week, Mars is making a close approach to the faint star cluster the Beehive Cluster. But don't worry – it's still far enough away not to worry about any collision – just a really incredible view if you've got a telescope. Read on for all the details you need to know, plus my hot take at the end.

Key Points

• Mars is making a close approach to the Beehive Cluster on April 9, 2021.
• The Beehive Cluster, also known as Messier 44, is an open star cluster located in the constellation Cancer.
• The Beehive Cluster is a bright, star-filled vision easily seen with the naked eye – and even better with some magnification.
• Mars will appear slightly brighter than usual, so it's a great time to search for surface features like the Syrtis Major and the darker ice caps if the night is clear.

So if you're looking for a stellar weekend activity, search for the Beehive Cluster and take a peek at Mars while you're at it! Thanks for joining me on this cosmic journey and stay tuned for more exciting news from the universe.

Astra's Hot Take

This week is a great opportunity to grab a pair of binoculars and take a closer look at Messier 44 and see if you can catch a glimpse of Mars next to it. It's going to be an awesome sight, and it'll be a chance to explore the night sky in a new and exciting way. So go ahead and add stargazing to your weekend plans – you won't regret it!