Dog Days of Summer

 People around the world use the term "Dog Days"

in different ways, usually as a reference to hot weather.

 It comes from the Dog Star, Sirius, which is part of the

constellation Canis Major. Each summer between July and

August the constellation appears in the northern hemisphere

during what is usually the hottest time of the summer.

Sirius is often seen as a twinkling star of different changing colors.

The appearance of color is a rainbow effect caused as

the light passes through the earth's atmosphere, similar to a rainbow.

 Ancient astronomers used the constellations to guide them 

through the seasons as well as for navigational charts for land and sea. 

The star named Sirius (the Dog Star) in Canis Major

 is quite visible in the night sky. Dog Days are named for the 

appearance of the Dog Star on the eastern horizon. 

It is the brightest star in Canis Major and is easily 

recognizable with the naked eye. Depending on which hemisphere 

you are in and your latitude, the Dog Days occurs at slightly different times. 

Ancient Egyptians believed that Sirius had an effect on

 life here on earth, partly because the regular annual 

rising of Sirius coincided with the days just before the 

flooding of the Nile River. They watched for the star to 

mark the coming of the floods, and they used the 

rising of Sirius to mark the first day of their year. 

Some say that our New Year's Eve actually marks the

 return of Sirius to the mid-sky alignment, and that this is 

the historical reason for the celebration at midnight January 1.

 Sirius is the alpha star in the constellation Canis Major. 

Canis Major is called the Big Dog, which gives Sirius 

its nickname of “the Dog Star”. 

The name Sirius means “scorching,” 

which may relate to its brightness as a star 

and its relationship to summer.

 A casual survey will usually find that many people 

believe the phrase is in reference to the conspicuous laziness

 of domesticated dogs (who are in danger of overheating 

with too much exercise) during the hottest days of the summer. 

When speaking of "Dog Days" there seems to be a connotation

 of lying or "dogging" around, or being "dog tired"

 on these hot and humid days.  Although these meanings have

 nothing to do with the original source of the phrase, 

they may have been attached to the phrase in recent years due 

to common usage or misunderstanding of the origin of the phrase.

 I hope you enjoyed today's mini-lesson on the

the Dog Days of Summer. 

 Julep chewing on her bully stick

nice and cool inside the house.

... ... ... ... ... ...

The American Glory 

A few nights ago we met friends for dinner in St. Michaels.

Of course we ate inside due to the heat.  

After dinner we walked Laura & Cary back to the

red rocket because I wanted some harbour pictures.

 In all this heat the Crab Claw's outside seating is still

 packed with folks picking crabs and drinking beer.

 Laura & Cary

A big smile for the camera.

 Captain Cary

Little Red Rocket vs. Big White Boat

Have a great day & keep cool!