Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, and the Sun appears to pass through this region of the sky between the end of July and to the end of August. […] Although relatively small and with few bright stars, Cancer is still interesting, mainly for a beautiful, if faint star cluster lying deep in its heart. This group has perhaps fifty stars at a distance of some 520 light years. Through binoculars, the stars appear to be buzzing around a honey pot, the centre of the cluster, giving rise to its popular name, the BEEHIVE Cluster. In ancient times, though, it was known as the Manger.”

Sheila Gilheany: “A Little Book of Stars”. P.16- 18