Constellations Archives

The Cancer constellation is one of the faintest of all the visible constellations. Perhaps as a direct result of its inability to complete the mission. During the conflict between Hercules and the Hydra, the goddess Hera dispatched Cancer to assist the Hydra. Cancer the Crab was given the mission to assault Hercules, and he used his claw to capture one of the hero's feet or toes. Hercules was underwhelmed by the crab's performance and proceeded to stomp on it. Cancer was given a recompense by Hera in the form of a place in the sky. Perhaps as a form of retribution for the fact that he did not divert Hercules' attention sufficiently to assist the Hydra win, his stars are among the dimmest in the zodiac. There is not a single star in the crab constellation that is more brilliant than fourth magnitude. The lower the magnitude of a star, the brighter it is. Therefore, Cancer can only be seen extremely dimly with the naked eye. Cancer is the most well-known constellation since it is the one that the sun is in when it is in its most northern position. The summer solstice is currently taking place. The Tropic of Cancer can be found here. The Tropic of Capricorn is the most southern location at the time of the solstice. Even though it appears like the sun is in the constellation Cancer on the winter solstice, it is actually in the constellation Gemini. The open star cluster known as M44 Praesepe can be found in the constellation Cancer. The globular cluster M44, often called the beehive cluster, is a massive collection of stars with magnitudes of 6 or lower. Due of its size, it is best observed through the use of binoculars. Where And When Right Ascension: 9 hours Declination: 20 degrees Visible between latitudes 90 and -60 degrees Best seen in March (at 9:00 PM) Named Stars: Acubens (Alpha Cnc) Altarf (Beta Cnc) Asellus Borealis (Gamma Cnc) Asellus Australis (Delta Cnc) Tegmen (Zeta 1 Cnc)