Cancer the Crab Constellation Facts

Cancer is a constellation or formation of stars in the night sky that takes on the shape of an animal or figure. Cancer is shaped like a crab and receives its name from the Greek word for the crustacean.

Location

Cancer is located from 6 degrees north to 33 degrees north and is positioned between Leo on the east and Gemini and Canis Minor on the west, according to the University of Michigan.

Time Frame

In the Northern Hemisphere, Cancer is brightest from January 13 through 17.

Abbreviation

The abbreviation for Cancer is Cnc.

Mythology

In mythology, Hercules was put through a series of twelve trials or labors by Hera, who was angry that her husband Zeus fathered Hercules through an extramarital affair. During one of these trials, Hercules faced a water serpent named Hydra, and Cancer the crab jointed the battle on Hydra's side. Cancer was killed during the battle, but Hera then placed him in the night sky to show her gratitude for his help in the battle against Hercules.

Zodiac

Cancer is the fourth sign of the Zodiac and is the sign of people born between June 22 and July 22.

References

• University of Arizona
• Univeristy of Michigan
• Cancer Mythology