Krebs
Crab (Cancri)
Cancer, the Crab, is a faint zodiacal constellation lying between Gemini and Leo. Although it lacks bright stars, Cancer is home to the famous Beehive Cluster (M44), one of the nearest open star clusters to Earth and a beautiful naked-eye object under dark skies. The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude) was named when the Sun was in this constellation during the summer solstice.
📜 Mythologie
In Greek mythology, Cancer represents the giant crab sent by Hera to distract Hercules during his battle with the many-headed Hydra (his second labor). As Hercules fought the serpent, the crab emerged from the swamp and pinched his foot. Hercules simply crushed it underfoot, but Hera rewarded the crab's loyalty by placing it among the stars. The crab's sacrifice, though ineffective, earned it a place in the heavens.
💡 Fakten
- ✦The Beehive Cluster (M44/Praesepe) contains about 1,000 stars and is one of the closest clusters at 577 light-years
- ✦Ancient astronomers called M44 'Praesepe' (the Manger), with stars Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis as feeding donkeys
- ✦The Tropic of Cancer was named 2,000 years ago when the Sun reached its northernmost point while in Cancer