Cancer is one of the 12 constellations of the zodiac, as well as a constellation in its own right. The official name of this constellation in Latin is Canis Minor, meaning the lesser dog. Cancer represents the crab and contains some bright stars, including Sigma Cancri (also known as Acubens), which has the distinction of being the faintest star that has an exoplanet in orbit around it.
1) Aldebaran
Aldebaran is located at a distance of 65.3 light years from Earth and has a visual magnitude of 0.85, making it one of the brighter stars in Constellation Cancer. Aldebaran’s name means the follower, referencing its position following closely to another star –in fact, three other Arabic names for Aldebaran also mean the follower as well. Aldebaran was once thought to be part of Orion’s Belt until 1603 when astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil identified it as a separate star. In ancient times, Aldebaran was thought to be linked with several myths: some believed that Aldebaran was actually an eye belonging to either Taurus or Perseus; others believed that it represented one of Jupiter’s eyes; and yet others believed that it represented Venus. Modern-day astronomers have determined that Aldebaran is about 15 times larger than our sun and around 100 times more luminous. The star is about 2 billion years old, which makes it one of our galaxy’s older stars. It will eventually evolve into a red giant before becoming a white dwarf.
2) Regulus
The brightest star in Cancer, Regulus can be found only 2 degrees to the north of a triangle formed by Pollux (in Gemini) and Procyon (in Canis Minor). This red giant star is around 70 times bigger than our sun and 400 times more luminous, although it lies 500 light years from Earth. It’s also 15 times more massive, meaning that it’ll run out of fuel much faster. In fact, scientists predict that Regulus will explode as a supernova within 10 million years. But for now, we get to enjoy its beauty—and have no fear; you won’t see Regulus going supernova any time soon. You need binoculars or a telescope with at least 50mm aperture to spot it. Praesepe: Praesepe (also known as M44 or NGC 2632) is an open cluster of stars located in Cancer. Its name means Manger or Crib and refers to its appearance when viewed through a telescope – like a swarm of bees surrounding their queen bee. With over 1000 members, Praesepe is one of the largest open clusters known today. Since it’s relatively close to us, about 600 light years away, astronomers were able to study its characteristics in great detail. They discovered that most of its stars are less than 1 billion years old and estimated that Praesepe has existed for about 6 billion years. Not bad! Mirzam: Mirzam is a blue-white hued star belonging to spectral class A3Vn with an apparent magnitude of +2.95 lying approximately 362 light-years distant from Earth.
3) Antares
Antares is a red supergiant star located about 600 light-years from Earth. It has an apparent magnitude of 1.06 and can be seen from both hemispheres, although not to most northerly latitudes. The name Antares means rival of Mars in Greek. The star was originally given that name because it was once thought to rival Mars as the brightest object in its constellation; however, modern measurements show that it is much dimmer than first thought. Still, Antares remains one of our closest stellar neighbors at a distance of just under 600 light-years away. In comparison, Proxima Centauri—our nearest stellar neighbor—is over 4 light-years away! Because of its proximity to us, Antares is also one of our Sun’s closest stellar companions. At a mere 6,500 AU (1 AU is equal to 93 million miles), it will take around 14 million years for Antares to complete a single orbit around our Sun.
4) Spica
The brightest star of Cancer is Spica. It’s commonly known as Alpha Virginis and represents one of two virgin daughters of Zeus and Hera. It has a magnitude of 1.05, meaning it can be seen from both hemispheres during July to September if you look about 10 degrees westward for Virgo. It’s a binary system (two stars orbiting each other) that lies at a distance of 263 light-years. Praesepe: This is also known as Messier 44 or M44 and was discovered by Ptolemy in 130 A.D.. M44 is an open cluster containing over 500 young stars located around 600 light-years away from Earth. Vindemiatrix: Also called Delta Cancri, Vindemiatrix is another double star with a magnitude of 3.2. It’s named after Vindemia who was changed into a grapevine when she tried to escape rape by Poseidon in Roman mythology. The name comes from its position in Cancer, which resembles grapes on a vine. Acubens: Acubens is part of what’s known as the Beehive Cluster, a group of five bright stars within Cancer that are visible to observers using binoculars or small telescopes.
5) Pollux
Pollux is a spectral type K1-III orange giant. Its apparent magnitude is 1.16 and it has an absolute magnitude of -0.15. It is approximately 34 times as luminous and 2,300 times as massive as our Sun, and its surface temperature is 4790 K. The star is named after Polydeuces, also known as Pollux or Polydeukes (the meaning of Πολυδεύκης), one of Zeus’ brothers. In Greek mythology he was immortalized by having his image placed amongst those of other great heroes on Mount Olympus. Castor: Castor is a spectroscopic binary system composed of two G-type giants that are so close together that they are tidally locked with each other. Both components have masses around 1.4 solar masses and radii around 7–8 solar radii; their orbital period is about 11 days. They have surface temperatures of 4750 K and 4800 K respectively, which are slightly cooler than our Sun’s 5600K due to their larger size. Procyon: Procyon is a star in Canis Minor. It is 0.34 light years from Earth and has an average apparent magnitude of 0.34, making it visible to the naked eye at night, although there are several fainter stars that can be seen with binoculars or telescopes nearby.
FAQ
What is special about cancer constellation?
The Cancer constellation has mythological and historical significance, which makes it a unique star in the night sky despite its apparent lack of brightness. With its name derived from the Latin word for crab, Cancer is linked to the Greek legend of the enormous crab that the goddess Hera sent to confront Hercules during his Twelve Labors. But what really makes Cancer unique is that it is the sign that appears to begin the zodiac, signifying the summer solstice. This astrological and culturally significant position in the sky has shaped many customs and beliefs over time. The Beehive Cluster (M44), a collection of stars that enhances the appeal of the constellation in telescope observations, is also located in Cancer. In the celestial tapestry, Cancer is a fascinating and culturally rich constellation despite its modest brightness because of its cosmic and symbolic qualities.
What are July cancers known for?
July births under the sign of Cancer are characterized by their deep emotional connection, keen intuition, and powerful nurturing impulses. Cancers born in July, who are ruled by the Moon, frequently show a strong emotional connection, which makes them kind and sympathetic people. They tend to provide a cozy and safe atmosphere for people around them and are fiercely protective of the people they love. The loyalty and commitment that July Cancers have for their loved ones and close friends is a common characteristic. They are skilled at reading others’ emotions due to their intuitive abilities, and they have a tendency to be highly sensitive people. But this sensitivity also plays a part in their sporadic moments of melancholy or introspection. These Cancers are known for their inventiveness and creativity, and they frequently find fulfillment in artistic endeavors or in activities that let them express their feelings. All things considered, Cancers born in July are well known for their loving dispositions and capacity to offer consolation to people they hold dear.
What are the 3 types of Cancer zodiac?
The fourth sign of the astrological calendar, Cancer, is customarily linked to people who were born between June 21 and July 22. There are three decans within the sign of Cancer, and each one stands for unique qualities and personality traits. The Moon rules the first decan, which runs from June 21 to July 1 and emphasizes emotional sensitivity and a close bond with one’s home and family. People born during this time frame frequently have nurturing traits and a keen sense of empathy. Pluto is in charge of the second decan, which runs from July 2 to July 11. This adds intensity and transformative energy to the Cancer traits. People in this decan may exhibit stronger willpower, emotional forbearance, and a strong desire to advance personally. Neptune is the sign that rules the third decan, which runs from July 12 to July 22. This decan is favorable for creativity, empathy, and a dreamy outlook. People born under this sign may be more sensitive to the arts and approach relationships with a compassionate, almost spiritual, demeanor. Together, these three decans add to the rich tapestry of the Cancer zodiac, presenting a wide variety of personalities within this sign of water.
Which Cancer is better June or July?
Astrologically speaking, there is no inherent superiority between June and July Cancers because both sign groups possess the same basic characteristics. Astrological traits of people born under the sign of Cancer are determined by the Moon, the sign’s ruling planet, and the particular decan in which they were born. July-born Cancers may display a combination of emotional depth and intuition, while June-born Cancers typically highlight the protective and nurturing aspects linked with the Moon. The perception of a “better” Cancer ultimately comes down to personal preferences and the subtleties of each individual’s birth chart. Astrology argues that an individual’s distinct personality is shaped by the interaction of multiple celestial influences. Consequently, embracing each Cancer’s unique strengths and subtleties rather than comparing them can help us understand their astrological profiles better.
