Cancer Constellation Facts

A constellation, in simplest way, can be defined as a group of stars in a specific pattern observed in the sky. However, astronomers define a constellation as a specific region in the sky with a definite boundary that contains stars. There are 88 known constellations with different names. Most of the time, the names are based on the shape of the stars observed in the constellation. Among the 88 constellations, we can even observe 12 Zodiac constellations that appear similar to the symbols of the Zodiac signs. The Cancer is one such constellation that looks like a crab. Before knowing more on the Cancer constellation facts, let us have a look at the constellation itself in detail.

Cancer Constellation Information
Cancer is the Greek word for crab or crustacean and it symbolizes the fourth sign of the Zodiac as well as a constellation in the sky. The Cancer constellation is one of the faintest constellation which cannot be seen by naked eye most of the time. However, spring is considered as the best time to view this constellation. The Cancer constellation is located from 6 degrees north to 33 degrees north and it occupies the total area of 506 sq degrees. It is located in between the Leo constellation (to its east) and the Gemini constellation (to its west); Lynx (in the north) and Hydra and Canis Minor (in the south). The history and the significance of the Cancer constellation is equally interesting. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Cancer Constellation History
The history of the Cancer constellation goes back to the Greek mythology. It is believed that the crab that is viewed in the constellation of cancer was sent by Hera (Greek God Zeus's younger sister and wife) to distract Hercules in his battle with Hydra (a monster with 9 heads). Hercules was an illegitimate son of Zeus who was disliked by Hera. When Hercules was sent with 12 labors or trials, he came face to face with Hydra, a monster in the water. At this very time, Hera sent the crab to nip Hercules and help Hydra win the battle. But the crab got crushed and was killed by Hercules. Peculiarly, Hera was grateful for the crab's loyalty and hence, put it in the sky which later came to be known as the Cancer constellation. Let us have a look at some interesting Cancer constellation facts.

Cancer Constellation Facts
The tropic of Cancer or the most northern latitude located in the northern hemisphere is named after the Cancer constellation. Cancer constellation stars include Alpha Cancri (Acubens), Beta Cancri (al-Tarf), Gamma Cancri (Asellus Borealis), Delta Cancri (Asellus Australis), Lambda Cancri (Kwan Kei), Xi Cancri (Nahn), and Zeta Cancri (Tegmine). The following are some more quick Cancer constellation facts.

• Rank in constellation according to size: 31st
• The abbreviation for Cancer: Cnc
• The brightest star: Beta Cancri (Al-Tarf)
• The nearest star to the Earth: DX Cancri
• The nickname for Cancer constellation: Crab
• Shape: upside down 'Y'
• Messier object 44, a cluster of stars called the 'Beehive' or 'Praesepe', is located within the Cancer constellation.

Cancer Zodiac Sign
People born in between 21st June to 22nd July belong to the Zodiac sign Cancer. These individuals are marked by traits like sympathetic and loving nature. They are emotional, touchy as well as extremely moody. Although timid and shy, they are very intelligent and brilliant.

This was a brief information on cancer constellation facts and history. Astronomy is a wonderful science and when combined with astrology and mythology, it becomes simply more fascinating!