Cancer (disambiguation) facts for kids

The word Cancer has many different meanings! It can refer to a group of stars in the night sky, a special line on Earth's map, or even a type of crab. Depending on where you hear it, "Cancer" could mean something completely different. This article will help you understand some of the most common uses of this interesting word.

What Does "Cancer" Mean?

The word "Cancer" comes from a very old Latin word. It means "crab." This is why many of its meanings are connected to crabs or things that look like them. Let's explore some of the ways we use this word today.

Cancer the Constellation

In the night sky, Cancer is a constellation. A constellation is a group of stars that form a pattern. People often imagine these patterns as animals or objects. Cancer is known as "The Crab." It is one of the twelve constellations of the Zodiac. The Zodiac is a band of constellations that the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to travel through.

Finding the Crab in the Sky

Cancer is not one of the brightest constellations. It can be a bit tricky to find. It is located between the constellations of Leo (The Lion) and Gemini (The Twins). The best time to see Cancer is during the late winter and early spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Look for a faint, fuzzy patch of light. This patch is called the Praesepe or Beehive Cluster. It is a group of many young stars.

Cancer the Astrological Sign

Cancer is also an astrological sign. Astrology is a belief system. It suggests that the positions of stars and planets can influence human events. People born between approximately June 21 and July 22 are said to have Cancer as their astrological sign. This period changes slightly each year.

Your Zodiac Sign

Each astrological sign has certain traits associated with it. People who believe in astrology think that those born under the Cancer sign might be caring and emotional. They are often seen as home-loving and protective. This sign is linked to the element of water.

The Tropic of Cancer

The Tropic of Cancer is an important imaginary line. It is drawn around the Earth. This line is a latitude circle. It marks the northernmost point on Earth where the Sun can be directly overhead. This happens once a year during the summer solstice.

Imaginary Lines on Earth

The Tropic of Cancer is located at about 23.5 degrees north of the Equator. The Equator is another imaginary line that circles the middle of the Earth. There is also a Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. These lines help scientists and geographers understand Earth's climate zones. Areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are called the tropics. These regions usually have warm climates all year round.

Cancer the Crab Genus

In biology, Cancer is a genus of crab. A genus is a group of closely related living things. This genus includes several types of large, edible crabs. These crabs are found in oceans around the world.

Crabs in the Ocean

Crabs in the Cancer genus are known for their strong shells and powerful claws. They live in various marine environments. Some live in shallow waters, while others prefer deeper parts of the ocean. These crabs play an important role in the ocean's ecosystem. They are also a food source for many animals, including humans.

Cancer in Pop Culture

The word "Cancer" also appears in popular culture. It can be found in comics and anime.

A Mobile Suit in Gundam Wing

In the popular Japanese anime series Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, there is a type of mecha called a Cancer (mobile suit). A mecha is a large, robotic machine. These mobile suits are used for combat in the series. They are designed to look like crabs.

A Marvel Comics Character

Cancer (comics) is also the name of a character in Marvel Comics. This character is part of a group called the Zodiac. Each member of this group is named after an astrological sign. The Cancer character often has powers related to their name.

Beyond Earth: 55 Cancri

Far away from Earth, there is a star system called 55 Cancri. It is about 40 light-years away from us. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year. This system is located in the constellation Cancer.

A Star System Far Away

Scientists have discovered five exoplanets orbiting the star 55 Cancri. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside our solar system. One of these planets is called 55 Cancri e. It is a super-Earth. This means it is larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. Studying systems like 55 Cancri helps us learn more about planets beyond our own solar system.