Of all the 12 constellations of the Zodiac, the faintest is Cancer (the crab) – and this is the best month to spot the dim crustacean for yourself. It’s high in the south, nestled between the feline shape of Leo (the lion) and the twin stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, which you’ll find near brilliant Jupiter.
In ancient Greek myth, Cancer attempted to nip the hero Hercules when he was fighting the multi-headed monster Hydra. Undeterred, Hercules crushed the crab under his foot, but the goddess Hera – a sworn enemy of Hercules – took pity on Cancer and raised it to the heavens. (You can also find Hercules and Hydra as constellations in the sky this month.)
