Skywatchers will have a chance to see Venus appear near the Beehive Cluster after sunset on June 20, creating a striking pairing between one of the brightest objects in the night sky and a nearby open star cluster.

The Beehive Cluster, also known as Messier 44 (M44), lies about 600 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cancer. One of the nearest open star clusters to Earth, it contains hundreds of stars and takes its name from its resemblance to a swarm of bees.

Venus has been a prominent object in the western evening sky for much of this year. Earlier this month, the planet drew attention when it appeared close to Jupiter before both sank below the horizon.

According to Song Yuanyuan, an astronomy outreach expert at the Tianjin Science and Technology Museum and a member of the Chinese Astronomical Society, the Beehive Cluster lies along the apparent path followed by the planets across the sky. As a result, planets occasionally pass near the cluster and sometimes even move through it.

On June 20, Venus will appear close to the Beehive Cluster in the western sky shortly after sunset. The cluster will be positioned below the planet and shine at about magnitude 3.1.

Despite its brightness, the cluster may be difficult to spot with the naked eye because of atmospheric effects near the horizon and glare from the much brighter Venus. However, observers using binoculars or a small telescope should be able to see both objects together.

The close encounter also offers an attractive target for astrophotographers. Song recommends using a telephoto lens or telescope to capture the pairing.

Another celestial meeting is on the horizon. On October 12, Mars is expected to pass through the Beehive Cluster, creating another notable sight for astronomy enthusiasts.