十二星座之（四）巨蟹座

　　　Cancer 巨蟹 June 22 - July 22

　　Cancer the Crab is a Winter Constellation, and can be best viewed in the night sky during the month of February.
Constellation Cancer - The Crab



　　With spring approaching, deep sky observers can look forward in anticipation (or dread) to the tangles of galaxies in Virgo, Coma Berenices, and Ursa Major. However, in Gemini, we will be taking a look at a region of the Milky Way rich in open clusters and planetary nebulae. Gemini lies right along the Milky Way, and the ecliptic (the region in which the Sun and planets are constrained) passes through it. Cancer lies further away from the Milky Way, and in it can be seen many faint galaxies as well as bright open clusters, and many double and multiple stars.

　　Cancer is a small but important zodiacal constellation. It was the fourth constellation of the ancient zodiac, east of Aries, Taurus and Gemini, but is now fifth, since the first point of Aries, the point of the astrological Spring Equinox, has moved west into Pisces.



　　 As Hercules struggled to defeat the hideous nine-headed Hydra, Queen Hera, his immortal enemy, ordered Cancer, The Crab to go and harass The Hero. The Crab snapped at Hercules" ankles as he bravely fought with Hydra. Unbothered by Cancers" efforts, The Hero easily crushed the crab to pieces under the heel of his foot and went on to successfully destroy the monstrous snake. In gratitude for The Crab"s courageous attempt to fulfill her angry wrath, Hera gifted Cancer with a place among the stars as a constellation. Located between Gemini and Leo, The Crab remains eternally perched just above Hydra, which is the longest constellation, eagerly awaiting an opportunity to seize the monster in its vise-like claws.