Constellation · Cnc
Cancer
The Crab
A faint zodiac constellation famous for the Beehive Cluster (M44, Praesepe), an open cluster visible to the naked eye from a dark site.
Magnitude 3.53
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Cancer
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Tarf (Beta Cancri)mag 3.53
- Asellus Australis (Delta Cancri)mag 3.94
- Zubanah (Iota Cancri)mag 4.03
- Acubens (Alpha Cancri)mag 4.26
- Asellus Borealis (Gamma Cancri)mag 4.66
- Tegmine (Zeta¹ Cancri)mag 4.67
Can you see Cancer from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Cancer |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Cancer
When is Cancer best seen?
Cancer stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in March. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Cancer?
The brightest star in Cancer is Tarf (Beta Cancri), magnitude 3.53.
Where on Earth can you see Cancer?
The whole of Cancer can be seen from latitudes between about 57°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Cancer mean?
Cancer is Latin for "the Crab". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).