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Now that we've entered July, it's a hot and sticky time of year in many parts of the world and this period is commonly referred to as the Dog Days of Summer. But, why is that?
The 'Dog Days of Summer' phrase goes back many years and it refers to the period in July and August when there is a very hot, and also very humid, climate in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are many theories as to why we label this time of year the Dog Days of Summer, but most people don't realise that the real origins of the term have to do with the stars.
Why do they call it the Dog Days of Summer?
The 'Dog Days of Summer' phrase refers to Sirius, which is a star known as the Dog Star and which forms part of the Canis Major constellation, which literally translates to mean the Greater Dog constellation.
During the Dog Days of Summer period, the sun occupies the same part of sky as the Dog Star, hence the name.
So, the hottest and stickiest time of year occurs when there are dog-related stars in the sky, while down on Earth the heat often drives dogs wild, which has helped the name catch on.
When are the Dog Days of Summer?
Most people who talk about the Dog Days of Summer are talking about the entire summer period, but there is actually a set range, which runs from 20 days before to 20 days after the alignment of the Dog Star, Sirius, with the sun.
Therefore, the Dog Days of Summer run from July 3 to August 11 in each year.
What happens during the Dog Days of Summer?
In terms of the weather during the Dog Days of Summer, this is generally the hottest time of the year.
That's because of the way the Earth tiles during the time when the Dog Days of Summer constellation is the way it is.