What Are The Dog Days Of Summer? Ancient Myths, Starry Nights, And Scorching Heat!
Ever wondered why the hottest days of summer are called the Dog Days? Learn why these sweltering days are more than just a heatwave! ☀️ #News #SummerHeat #DogDays
Defining the Dog Days of Summer
ROCHESTER, MN – The Dog Days of Summer are here! But what does this peculiar phrase mean? It’s not just about hot weather. The ancient roots of “Dog Days” might surprise you.
The term “Dog Days” traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather that occurs during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were believed to bring drought, bad luck, and unrest, causing dogs and people alike to suffer from the intense heat. Nowadays, the phrase is more commonly associated with the peak of summer’s high temperatures and humidity.
Origin of the Name “Dog Days”
This period of intense heat aligns with the heliacal (sunrise) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris, the “Greater Dog.” This is where Sirius gets its canine nickname and its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, apart from the Sun.
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In ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, it was believed that the dawn rising of Sirius in mid-to-late summer added to the season’s extreme weather. The combined heat of Sirius and the Sun was thought to cause the high temperatures. The name “Sirius” comes from the Ancient Greek word seírios, meaning “scorching.”
For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius’s rising (known as Sothis) coincided with the Nile River’s flooding season. They used the star as a signal for this event.
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Although the appearance of Sirius does not affect Earth’s weather, its presence during the hottest part of summer has kept the lore alive.
Timing of the Dog Days
The exact dates of the Dog Days can vary, as they are traditionally linked to Sirius’s rising, which has shifted over time.
However, most sources agree that the Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer, typically the 40 days from July 3 to August 11. These days come soon after the summer solstice in late June, marking the beginning of the hottest part of the season.
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More About Sirius: The Brightest Star
Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, aside from the Sun. Under ideal conditions, it can even be seen with the naked eye during the day. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major, which means “Greater Dog.” This big, bright star earned the nickname “the Dog Star.”
Given its brightness, Sirius is easy to spot. Learn how to find the Dog Star in the night sky.
The Dog Star in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the annual flooding of the Nile River usually began in late June. This flood, known as the Inundation, was crucial because it brought nutrient-rich soil needed for crops in the desert.
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The Egyptians didn’t know the exact timing of the flooding, but they noticed it coincided with the rise of Sirius (Sothis) before the Sun. This connection was so important that they started their new year with the new Moon following Sirius’s first appearance on the eastern horizon.
A Time of Misfortune?
Unlike the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and Romans viewed Sirius’s appearance with dread. For them, it signaled a time of drought, disease, and discomfort.
The Roman poet Virgil wrote in the Aeneid that “fiery Sirius, bringer of drought and plague to frail mortals, rises and saddens the sky with sinister light.”
Is this just a superstition? A 2009 Finnish study tested the myth that infection rates rise during the Dog Days. Surprisingly, the study found this claim to be true.
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