Constellation The Crab

Cancer (The Crab): gift, map and visability

  • Meaning: The Crab
  • Best seen in: March
  • Family: Zodiac
  • Latitude: +90° to -60°

Cancer or The Crab is one of the 88 constellations modern astronomers have divided the sky into. It's part of the Zodiac constellation family. Cancer is best seen in March (from latitudes +90° to -60°).

Cancer means ‘the crab’ in Latin and takes on the form of an upside down ‘Y’. This constellation has eight stars, two Messiers and one meteor shower (Delta Cancridae) associated with it. In Greek mythology, the crab bit Hercules while he was trying to kill the Hydra. Hercules crushed the crab, and Hera placed it among the stars for its small contribution. People born under the sign of Cancer are said to be adaptable, caring, and loyal.

Cancer Constellation Map

Cancer Constellation Map
Cancer icon

Main Stars in The Crab (Cancer)

The constellation Cancer contains several bright stars that make up its shape. Some of these main stars are known as:

  • Al Tarf
  • Acubens
  • Asellus Australis
  • Asellus Borealis
  • 55 Cancri
  • Tegmine
  • Lambda Cancri

Some of the deep sky objects which have been discovered in Cancer include: Beehive Cluster, Messier 67, NGC 2775, NGC 2535, NGC 2536, NGC 2500, NGC 2608.

You can now name your own star in the constellation of Cancer in just a few clicks. Name the star, view it in 3D and look it up with the OSR Star Finder App!

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88 constellations: Find out more about each of the 88 constellations and the 12 zodiacs!
Constellation facts about Cancer

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