Dog Days of SummerReferring to the hot summer months of July and August, the Dog Days coincide with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris, the Greater Dog, which is where Sirius gets the canine association. Sirius is the brightest star in the summer night sky. Watch this videoIn ancient Greece it was believed that the rising of Sirius in mid-to-late summer contributed to the hot weather of the season. The supposed combined heat of the Sun with the bright Dog Star was thought to be source of heat. We know better in modern times why summer is hot, due to our knowledge of Earth's orbital patterns and axial tilt. While there are many who love a long, hot summer, I for one am glad to be at the "tail end" of the Dog Days. It is no surprise living in Arizona that the heat has been oppressive, but 2023 produced some unusually warm days all across the USA. September is just around the corner, and with it comes my personal favorite season of the year; Autumn! Falling temperatures and falling leaves are on the way! |