Cancer Constellation – Information and curiosities – My Sky Map

The Cancer Constellation is in the northern hemisphere and is one of the 12 constellations of the zodiac. Despite being considered the weakest among them because it has few visible objects, with weak luminosity, the constellation and its stars are important!

Over the centuries, there have been legends related to it in different cultures.

In cartography, the Tropic of Cancer is the imaginary line that demarcates the point to the north of the globe that receives the most perpendicular incidence from the Sun – and takes its name because it passes exactly through the constellation.

Therefore, when the star also reaches this tropic with its vertical axis, it marks the change of seasons – giving way to summer in the northern hemisphere, for example.

Furthermore, as it is part of the constellations positioned in the zodiacal zone, it also has an influence on individuals who were born in the given period in which the Sun passes through it on the Ecliptic.

Stars of the Cancer Constellation

The stars of this constellation are not so easily seen in the sky: firstly because of their apparent magnitude, then because they occupy a small space in the celestial immensity.

If you want to find it among the stars in the sky, know that it is located between the Constellation Leo and the Constellation Gemini.

Likewise, close to it are also the constellations Canis Minor, Hydra and Lynx.

However, if this doesn’t sound familiar to you or you still encounter difficulties, check out the article we wrote that shows how to identify the stars in the sky and the best astronomy apps.

Therefore, the brightest star in the Cancer constellation is Beta Cancri, a binary star with a magnitude of 3.5, where the main star is an orange K-type giant.

Delta Cancri is an orange giant with a magnitude of 3.94 and the second brightest star in Cancer.

Cancer Constellation in Greek Mythology

While in the astronomical area the constellation does not have as much glamor as the other constellations of the Zodiac, in Greek mythology the story is different.

This is because the myth that gave rise to the name of the constellation is about one of the works of the Greek hero Hercules.

In short, Hera (married to Zeus and goddess of men and marriages) was very jealous of the hero – who was the result of Zeus’ relationship with a mortal woman.

Therefore, she passes him off as several monsters of her creation: among them the famous Hydra of Lerna, which had the body of a dragon and several heads of a serpent.

As Hercules wins the dispute, the possessive goddess sends a large crab to distract him. The crab is crushed by the demigod’s foot and through her effort, Hera positions it in the sky, forming the constellation of Cancer.

Read too:
Constellation of signs and Greek Mythology

Cancer sign and its characteristics

As we said previously, those who have the Sun positioned in the sign of Cancer during the period in which it is illuminated on the Ecliptic have peculiar characteristics that can be associated with the crab.

In other words, this little being has a protective shell and claws that try to defend itself, but inside it is very fragile. That’s why Cancerians are known as the most sensitive and protective within the universe of Zodiac signs.

If you want to know more about the Cancer sign and its characteristics and elements, see the analysis we did on the personality of the signs.

Lastly, the constellation inspires many who were born under its influence to get a Cancer Constellation tattoo. If this is your case, we are super supportive: after all, the star that needs to be brighter is yours, really! LOL

Astronomy Gift

Surely you admire the stars, right?
And who doesn’t?

Therefore, we at have a creative gift that has everything to do with the mystery and special meaning they have for us.

We created a star map for a special date for you or to give as a gift to someone important in your life – it could be an anniversary, a marriage proposal, who knows…

The important thing is that we show with quality and accuracy what the sky was like on that date, leaving your personalized painting with a unique appearance.

Additionally, in addition to colors, sizes and frames, you can also choose phrases and thoughts that express your feelings and that will make everything more beautiful!

Don’t know what you could add? Don’t worry, we’ll help you with suggestions for love messages and other topics:

We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the Cancer Constellation and that it is an inspiration for you, as it is for us! ?