  The unstable nucleus $^8$Be, with its two $\alpha$-cluster configuration, is
the doorway to the formation of heavier $\alpha$-cluster nuclei. Most
importantly, its the precursor of the production of $^{12}$C through the Hoyle
state, a resonance state of three $\alpha$ clusters, in the helium burning
phase of a massive star. The nucleus exhibits a ground state band of rotational
states established through $\alpha-\alpha$ scattering experiments. A subsequent
precision particle-$\gamma$ coincidence measurement of the electromagnetic
transition between the 4$^+\rightarrow$ 2$^+$ excited states also corroborated
the evidence for a highly deformed dumb-bell shaped structure of $^8$Be. A
simultaneous phenomenological R-matrix analysis of the measured capture
reaction cross sections along with the elastic excitation function and phase
shift data has been performed. The resulting reduced transition strength of
21.96$\pm$3.86 $e^2 fm^4$ compares well with the estimated experimental value
of 21.0$\pm$2.3 e$^2$ fm$^4$. The R-matrix yield of the B($E2$) value is closer
to the prediction of cluster model but about 19$\%$ less than the {\it ab
initio} result.
