Cancer: The Crab
Pronunciation: CAN-ser
| Cancer Constellation Profile | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation: Cnc | Genitive: Cancri |
| Origin: Ancient | Location: Northern Hemisphere |
| Best View (North): Spring | Best View (South): |
| Bordering Constellations: Lynx, Gemini, Canis Minor, Hydra, Leo, Leo Minor | |
The Myth Behind the Constellation Cancer
When Hercules was fighting the Lernaean Hydra as the second of his Twelve Labors, Hera sent a huge crab to assist the Hydra by snapping at Hercules’ heels. Hercules crushed the crab and Hera placed it in the heavens as the constellation Cancer.Cancer Constellation Points of Interest
| Interesting Objects in the Constellation Cancer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Messier | NGC | Type | Visibility |
| Beehive Cluster | M44 | NGC 2632 | Open Cluster | Naked-Eye |
| M67 | NGC 2682 | Open Cluster | Binoculars | |