Cancer – The Crab

Cancer is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Cancer is one of the 42 constellations that represents an animal.

Symbolism: Cancer is also known as ‘The Crab’

 

History & Mythology

Cancer has been known by many different cultures and represents many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Cancer represents the Crab that attacked Hercules in a duel with the multi headed monster Hydra. Cancer as a constellation is not very bright, as none of the stars are bright. Cancer in ancient times used to be the location of the sun’s most northerly position in the sky.  

 

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Cancer is bordered by constellations Lynx, Canis Major, Leo, Leo Minor, Hydra & Gemini.

Sky Chart #: Chart 5.

Star Raking: 31st largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Cancer consists of 5 main stars.

Brightest Star: Altart.

 

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. The Earth’s own Tropic of Cancer was named after the Cancer constellation.

# 2. Cancer is the dimmest of all the constellations.

# 3. Altart is the brightest star in the Cancer constellation.

 

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Cancer also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Cancer have?

Q.  What is the brightest star in Cancer?

Q. What number sky chart is Cancer?

Q. What number star ranking is Cancer in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Cancer Constellation here: Cancer Constellation (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading on the Cancer Constellation visit www.easyscienceforkids.com/Cancer Constellation