Short Wave Siriusly, It's The Dog Days Of Summer!
Aug 9, 2021
Curious about the Dog Days of Summer? Dive into the fascinating link between this phrase and the dog star, Sirius. Discover the celestial origins of these sweltering days and learn about Sirius's bright legacy as part of a binary star system. The hosts share personal summer stories while exploring Sirius's challenges in visibility. Plus, celebrate the bond between dogs and humans with expert insights, all while keeping the atmosphere playful and vibrant. Perfect for a skyward summer adventure!
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Dog Days of Summer Origin
- The "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest part of summer, from July into August.
- Ancient cultures believed the combined heat of the sun and Sirius, the dog star, caused this heat.
Sirius's Companion Star
- Sirius is a binary star system, meaning it has a companion star.
- This companion, known as "the pup", is a white dwarf, a remnant of a dead star.
Sirius's Brightness
- Sirius is the brightest star visible from Earth (besides the sun).
- It's twice the size and 25 times brighter than our sun, but appears smaller due to its distance.