Podcast Summary
The origin of the 'dog days of summer': Ancient civilizations linked the hot and sultry weather of summer to the star Sirius, which they believed was caused by its proximity to the sun.
The term "dog days of summer" is linked to the star Sirius, which is part of the constellation Canis Major, or the Greater Dog. Ancient civilizations noticed that during this period in the northern hemisphere, Sirius rose and set next to the sun, appearing unusually bright. They believed the combined power of the sun and Sirius caused the hot and sultry weather during this time. The BBC, as a trusted source of information, provides us with this intriguing historical fact and encourages us to think about the stories behind the things we encounter in our daily lives.
Sirius: The Bright Star with a Hidden Companion: Sirius is a large star, but its companion, a white dwarf, causes no heat, while Earth's tilt causes summer heat.
Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth aside from the sun, is not responsible for the summer heat but is a binary star with a companion called the pup, which is a white dwarf star that no longer emits light or burns fuel. Sirius is much larger than the sun, twice its size, but because it's much farther away, it doesn't appear as bright. The summer heat is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, which causes the sun's energy to hit the northern hemisphere at a steeper angle, resulting in more direct heat. New research suggests that almost all stars are born in pairs.
Exploring the Significance of Real Dogs in Science and Life: This week on the podcast, we delve into the role of dogs in scientific research and their impact on our lives. From their presence in laboratories to their reflection in scientific discoveries, and even a day dedicated to cats, get ready for an enlightening and entertaining week.
Despite the challenges of spotting Sirius during the summer due to its obscuration by dawn's early light, there's no need for summer to be boring. In fact, this week on the podcast, listeners can look forward to conversations about real dogs and their significance in science and life. From dogs in laboratories to their reflection in scientific research, and even a day dedicated to cats, this week promises to be anything but dull. Sponsors for the podcast include Integrative Therapeutics, offering clinician-curated supplements on Amazon, Easycater for food solutions for meetings and events, and BlackRock's podcast, The Bid, where Larry Fink discusses investor challenges. So, while the summer nights may make it difficult to spot Sirius, there's plenty of intriguing content to keep us engaged and entertained.
