Dog Days of Summer

This may be one of the most interesting fact that I have learned thus far. It's about the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. I have been an avid, as well as a curious fan of the wonders of our universe. I have been doing a lot of reading about our very own planet, galaxy and universe. I have to say that I am mesmerized as well as astonished to learn new facts about its wonders everyday.

We have been taught about constellations at school and Orion being the most recognizable in the night sky. We have other constellations such as the Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Canine Major and Canine minor. Likewise Sagittarius, Libra and Gemini are examples of constellations that falls under the Zodiac.

Our brightest star Sirius, is formed in the Canine Major; or the 'Big Dog'. Thus, Sirius is also named as the 'Dog Star'. The word 'Dog Days' was actually adapted by the Ancient Greek. However, it was often used by the Romans to indicate the hottest days of summer and associated the 'Dog Star' with the harsh weather. Therefore 'Dog Days' were derived from the ancient believe which associated the dog star to the hot weather because of its proximity to the sun. Today, we simply use 'Dog Days' to indicate very hot weather with dull and less activities.

Apart from the weather and the star, Sirius is also an important character portrayed in the Harry Potter series. Sirius Black was Harry's godfather. He is an Animagus which enables him to transform into a 'Big Dog' at his will. I truly respect and admire J.K.Rowling's brilliance about this matter. She must have thought about this and thus co-related Sirius Black's name and the 'Dog Star' to his dog animagi.

An interesting fact indeed :)