Cancer is an inconspicuous constellation on the ecliptic formed by relatively faint stars. The brightest star, β Cancri (Altarf), only reaches the 3rd magnitude.
The constellation is difficult to discover. The best way to find it is to follow an imaginary line between the striking constellations Gemini and Leo.
| Cancer | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Cancer |
| Latin genitive | Cancri |
| Abbreviation | Cnc |
| Brightest star | Tarf (β Cancri) |
| Fully visible | 90° N to 60° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | September – May |
