We’ve all heard the phrase the “Dog Days of Summer.” But have you stopped to think about where this phrase to describe the hot weather began? Well as your trusted Dog Ufologist, I can assure you the answer is in the stars. 

Second only to the Sun, Sirius is the brightest star visible from Earth, and in the summer, they rise and set together. The Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians believed this bright star added to the summer heat, which is why the name Sirius comes from the Ancient Greek word, “seírios,” for scorcher.

Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major, which means the Greater Dog. In fact, its official name is Alpha Canis Majoris, but it is also more commonly known as the Dog Star. Ancient Romans referred to these weeks of hot weather as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.” Hence how we get the phrase the Dog Days of Summer! So although the hot weather really isn’t caused by Sirius, or even dogs, the name has stuck.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the Dog Days of Summer last 20 days before and 20 days after the alignment of Sirius with the Sun on the Summer Equinox. Or roughly 40 days beginning July 3rd and ending August 11th. Therefore that makes today, August 11th, the last day of the the Dog Days of Summer! Although according to the long range forecast, we still have plenty of hot days ahead this summer.

If the Dog Days of Summer technically end today, does that mean Pumpkin Spice Season begins tomorrow? *asking for a friend