Gaia 8: Discovery of a star cluster containing beta Lyrae -- and of a
  larger old (extinct) star formation complex surrounding it
  Aims: To try and clarify whether there are stars in the neighbourhood of
$\beta$ Lyrae which are physically connected to the famous prototype eclipsing
binary.
  Methods: Scrutinize the astrometric and photometric data (from Hipparcos and
Gaia DR2) of stars in a limited sky field around $\beta$~Lyrae.
  Results: A star cluster of about 100 members is discovered, nicely centered
on $\beta$~Lyrae in 5 dimensions. There are clear indications that the newly
discovered cluster belongs to a larger old (extinct) star formation complex,
including two already known star clusters and an extended strewn field of stars
at practically the same distance and space velocity.}
  Conclusions: This discovery opens up the possibility of determining a precise
distance and a precise age for $\beta$ Lyrae, using the combined properties of
the cluster members. This in turn may provide an important asset for an
improved astrophysical interpretation of the model binary $\beta$ Lyrae and its
kin. --- The larger old star formation complex is of scientific interest in its
own right.
