It's hot! It's boiling! It's sweltering! What do you expect for the Dog Days of Summer? Now I want a Dodger dog and some air-conditioning! But I also want to know where the term Dog Days of Summer comes from, so on I go down that research rabbit hole. And what I found is a scorcher. Read on!
Did you know that the term Dog Days does not, in fact, have anything to do with hot dogs? This period of hot weather coincides with the year's heliacal (at sunrise) rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky (not including the Sun). Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—(Greater Dog), which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as the way Sirius follows the constellation Orion (like a dog on a leash) into the sky. Additionally, Sirius translates from the Ancient Greek to "scorcher" (Σείριος Seírios). The Ancient Greeks and Romans noticed that the "Dog Star" began to rise with the Sun after the Summer Solstice, so they put the two events together, thinking that the hot days were caused by how close the Earth was to the star. According to most almanacs, this period is generally from July 3 to August 11.
Most folks refer to the Dog Days of Summer when discussing the extreme heat of July and August and the tiredness and lethargy accompanying it.
So, if you are looking for a place to go to beat the heat, I can't think of a better place to be than the Los Angeles Public Library! Did you know the Library functions as a cooling center during these Dog Days? Check out our locations and hours for the latest updates on which branches have extended hours or are open during non-library times. Stay cool and safe!
Local Resources
- Ready.gov Tips for Extreme Heat
- Beat the Heat
- Heat Safety Tips and Resources
- EPA Tips for Extreme Heat
- Extreme Heat Health Information Guide
- CDC Tips for Extreme Heat
- Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pet Owners
And just for fun, here's a list of Dog Day/Dog Star/Sirius-related media for you to check out from the Library!
Dog Day/Dog Star/Sirius Related Media
