Cancer

Description

Cancer is the faintest zodiac constellation, but it contains the famous Beehive Cluster (M44), one of the nearest open clusters to Earth. Historically it marked the summer solstice, giving its name to the Tropic of Cancer.

Mythology and History

In Greek mythology, Cancer was the crab sent by Hera to distract Heracles during his fight with the Lernaean Hydra. Although Heracles crushed it, Hera rewarded it by placing it in the sky.

How to Observe

Visible from January to May. Its stars are faint, but the Beehive Cluster is visible to the naked eye in dark skies as a fuzzy patch between Gemini and Leo.

Main Stars