Messier 41 (M41), also known as the Little Beehive Cluster, is an open star cluster located in the constellation Canis Major, about 2,300 light-years from Earth. This cluster is comprised of approximately 100 stars, including several red giants and numerous white dwarfs. Spanning about 25 light-years in diameter, M41 is estimated to be around 190 million years old, making it relatively young in astronomical terms. The cluster is easily visible to the naked eye under dark skies and provides a rich field of stars for telescopic observation.

In this image, M41 is complemented by the glow of hydrogen-alpha (Hα) emissions in the background, highlighting the interstellar medium surrounding the cluster. The Hα emissions, caused by the ionization of hydrogen atoms, add a vivid red backdrop to the scene, enhancing the visual appeal of the cluster. This combination of star cluster and nebula provides a stunning contrast between the hot, young stars of M41 and the cooler, diffuse gas of the surrounding nebula, offering a glimpse into the dynamic processes at play in our galaxy.