Published in the March 22 issue of The Mountain-Ear.

Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.

Exploring the cosmos introduces a world spanning centuries of perspectives; some based in fact, others in myth, and yet others steeped in tales woven over time. It’s fascinating to research, to read various theories, and see how cultures spin tales surrounding constellations.

Sirius, the Dog Star, is the brightest star visible from anywhere on Earth and has often been reported as an UFO due to its flickering colors. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major, the Big or Greater Dog discovered by Sir John Herschel, 1st Baronet. Herschel was an English astronomer who traveled to the clear southern skies of Cape Town; and over four years recorded 68,948 stars, and cataloged nebulae along with double stars including the Canis Major constellation. While this brightest star is fairly easy to find, you can locate Sirius once you’ve found “Orion’s Belt,” following the belt angle down till you see bright Sirius.

During summertime in the Northern Hemisphere Sirius hides behind the sun, peeking out of the eastern skies before sunrise in late summer. This late summer positioning corresponds with Greek sultry summer weather and is where the term ‘dog days’ of summer originated. The Dog Star Sirius is associated with the Egyptian god Osiris, the god of life, death, fertility and rebirth; and in India, Sirius has been known as Svana the dog of Prince Yudhistria, who after the prince said he would forsake heaven if his dog couldn’t join him was granted access through the gates of heaven by Undra as he passed his test in not abandoning his beloved dog.

In Africa, the Dogon believe Nommo, Amphibious Gods, came to Earth in ships from the Sirius Star System, and that Sirius is the axis of the universe. In Chinese astronomy, the Sirius star is the “celestial wolf;” and in Polynesia, the constellation called Manu depicts Sirius as the body of a “Great Bird.”

It is pretty wild to research and read about how different cultures, during different times in history, have their own unique perspective of the same star, the Dog Star Sirius. Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch, recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist will visit your home or Vet’s office to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2018 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Pet Nanny Clients; and bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order. For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.