DOG STAR Meaning and
Definition
-
Dog star refers to the brightest star in the night sky, known as Sirius. It is so named because it is located in the constellation Canis Major, which translates to "Greater Dog." The term "dog star" dates back to ancient civilizations, and Sirius holds great cultural and astronomical significance.
The dog star Sirius is a binary star system, consisting of two stars named Sirius A and Sirius B. Sirius A, the larger and more visible component, is a spectral type A1V star that shines with a blue-white light. It is approximately twice as massive as our Sun and is one of the closest stars to Earth, located at a distance of about 8.6 light-years. Sirius B, on the other hand, is a white dwarf and much smaller in size. It orbits around Sirius A, and its existence was theorized by scientists before it was visually confirmed.
In various mythologies and ancient beliefs, the appearance of Sirius in the sky marked the arrival of summer or the hot and dry season. It played a role in the calendars and rituals of many cultures, including ancient Egyptians and indigenous tribes. Additionally, Sirius features prominently in astronomy, serving as a reference point for defining stellar magnitudes and other astronomical measurements.
Today, the term "dog star" is commonly used to specifically refer to Sirius, although it can also be used more generally to describe any bright and prominent star associated with canines or dogs in folklore or cultural traditions.
-
The bright star called Sirius, whose rising and setting at the same time as the sun gave name to the dog-days.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DOG STAR
- sog star
- xog star
- eog star
- dig star
- dkg star
- dlg star
- dpg star
- d0g star
- d9g star
- dof star
- dov star
- dob star
- doh star
- doy star
- dot star
- dog atar
- dog ztar
- dog xtar
- dogstar
Etymology of DOG STAR
The term "dog star" derives from the ancient Greek phrase "Κύων ἀστήρ" (Kyon astēr), where "Κύων" (Kyon) means "dog", and "ἀστήρ" (astēr) means "star". The dog star refers to the star Sirius, which is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, representing the Greater Dog. Ancient Greek astronomers noticed that Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun during the hottest period of the year, which coincided with the sweltering summer season, known as the "dog days". Hence, the name "dog star" originated due to its association with the dog days of summer.
Similar spelling words for DOG STAR
- digs,
- touch, stir,
- cost,
- tacky sweater,
- doctor,
- cedar deck,
- shaggy-dog story,
- dog-legged stair,
- stray dog,
- dog sitter,
- doster,
- toaster,
- dog-leg stair,
- dog turd,
- digest,
- dogs,
- dog star,
- discard,
- dust.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
