Cancer (astrology)


Cancer (pronounced /ˈkænsɚ/) is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. The name is Latin for crab. Its symbol is (Unicode ♋). Cancer is small and the stars are dim. It is between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east, Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south.

Cancer
Cancer
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List of stars in Cancer
Abbreviation: Cnc
Genitive: Cancri
Symbology: the Crab
Right ascension: 9 h
Declination: +20°
Area: 506 sq. deg. (31st)
Main stars: 5
Bayer/Flamsteed stars: 76
Stars known to have planets: 1
Bright stars: 0
Nearby stars: 2
Brightest star: β Cnc (Altarf) (3.5m)
Nearest star: DX Cnc (11.8 ly)
Messier objects: 2
Meteor showers: Delta Cancrids
Bordering constellations: Lynx
Gemini
Canis Minor
Hydra
Leo
Leo Minor (corner)
Visible at latitudes between +90° and −60°
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of March

References

  • Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, by Richard Hinckley Allen, Dover. ISBN 978-0-486-21079-7
  • Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0-691-13556-4.
  • Dictionary of Symbols, by Carl G. Liungman, W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 978-0-393-31236-2

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