Cancer is one of the constellations of the zodiac and belongs to the 88 modern constellations.

According to the tropical astrology, the Sun travels through Cancer from June 21 to July 22 and in the sidereal astrology from July 16 to August 15. Astrologically, this is associated with the Moon. It was first described by Ptolemy.

The name of the constellation is Latin for crab, the representative symbol. The Cancer constellation lies in the Northern Hemisphere, between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east. It can be seen at latitudes between +90° and -60° and is best visible during March.

Dimensions: 505 square degrees.

Brightness: Rather faint stars.

History: Greek mythology identified it with the crab from the fight of Heracles with Hydra that bit the first on the foot. Heracles destroyed the crab. The goddess Hera then decided to place the crab among the stars. This constellation was also known as the Northern Gate of Sun. When in Cancer, the Sun is in its most northerly position in the sky, during the summer solstice.

Stars: The Cancer constellationis the dimmest of all zodiac constellations and contains only two stars, with known planets and above fourth magnitude bright. The brightest star is beta Cancri, Al Tarf while the second brightest is delta Cancri, Asellus Australis.

Galaxies: The constellation also has several notable deep sky objects, including the Praesepe, or the Beehive Cluster that is an open cluster located right in the center.