Cancer+-+Sydney+Rainey

**Cancer Constellation **
 * Rainey, Sydney **
 * May 5th, 2015 **
 * Astronomy 010 **
 * Adkins, J. **
 *  In western cultures, we are familiar with the twelve zodiac constellations representing different times during the year. Cancer is the constellation that falls between june 20th and July 22nd. It is preceded by Leo and followed by Gemini. Most constellations are recognizable because the stars form in pattern that naturally resembles the name. Unlike the majority, cancer is hard to recognize as a crab with the naked eye. It most closely resembles an upside down “Y” shape due to the fact that it is the dimmest constellation in the zodiac. **
 *  Greek mythology states that Cancer the crab was sent by the Goddess named Herra to act as a distraction and ultimately thwart Hercules during his battle against Hydra, the serpent. This plot was foiled because Hercules crushed Cancer with his foot. Cancer’s body crumbled to pieces and Herra wanted to honor his bravery by placing him in the sky. This is supposed to explain why only part of the constellation is easily visible. Another popular view is that of ancient philosopher Plato. He preached that the constellation of Cancer is considered the “Gate of Men”, where souls descend from heaven into human bodies. This thought could be derived from early thinking that Cancer is the world’s horoscope because it is closest to zenith. **


 *  Although Cancer is the dimmest constellation, it has some compelling components contained inside of it. Most notable are the two Messier objects, CNC, and 55 cancri the planetary system. The cluster of red dwarf stars named M44 (Praespe), is also known as the beehive cluster because the shape of the several hundred stars resembles that of a beehive. Astronomers believe that all the stars in this cluster were formed at the same time and are 600 to 700 million years old. The second Messsier object is M67 which is four to five billion years old. Acubens or CNC is the brightest star in the constellation at a 3.5 magnitude. It is a giant star with an orange hue located 290 light years away from Earth. 55 cancri is a planetary system with a solo sun very similar to our solar system. There are at least five planets discovered to be orbiting this star. There are four gas giants similar to Jupiter and Neptune that all have moons. The fifth planet is rock and notably similar to Earth. It is about four times as heavy as our Earth, but no life has been confirmed to exist there. **
 *  Here in western culture, we identify the constellation as cancer the crab. Most other cultures will identify this pattern of stars as some animal with an exoskeleton. While cancer is latin for crab, the original meaning came from the word crayfish. At its root, cancer is from the Indo-European kar meaning hard. Thus the hard shelled animal. In Chinese culture, the pattern of stars is a part of the Vermillion Bird of the South.It represents the fire element, the south, and the arrival of summer time. The bird is said to be a pheasant with five colored plumage in flames. That is where we would see the crab legs. In mayan culture it’s considered a dog. The babylonians view it as a snapping turtle.The Egyptians call it scarabaeus of the word scarab, meaning emblem of immortality. **
 *  Cancer is held in high regards when it comes to the constellations within the zodiac. It’s hard to see here on Earth even with binoculars because the brightest of stars is only a 3.5 magnitude which distorts our ability to see the crab like shape. There are a few theories as to the history behind it varying from a battle of the gods to a metaphor of a portal where souls leave the heavens and entire the mortal world. It may be identified as other things such as a snapping turtle or a bird with colorful feathers depending on the culture in question. **



** Works Cited **
 * "Cancer." Cancer. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. **
 * Crystallinks. "Cancer - Astrology, Astronomy, Mythology - Crystalinks." Cancer - Astrology, Astronomy, Mythology - Crystalinks. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. **
 * Sample, IIan. "Could This Be Earth's Twin? Introducing Planet 55 Cancri F." The Gaurdian. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. **
 * Stardate. "Cancer, the Crab." Cancer, the Crab. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. **
 * White, Gavin. Babylonian Star-lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-lore and Constellations of Ancient Babylonia. London: Solaria, 2008. Print. **
 * Zimmermann, Kim Ann. "Cancer Constellation: Facts About the Crab." Space.com. N.p., 07 Aug. 2012. Web. 05 May 2015. **