JACKSON, Wyo. — We asked, and Buckrail readers answered. Check out these cute dogs (and cats!) enjoying the dog days of summer in and around Jackson Hole.
It’s currently the dog days of summer, the 20 days before and 20 days after the alignment of Sirius and the Sun, July 3 to Aug. 11. Sirius is a part of the constellation Canis Major, “the Greater Dog.” In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun.
Because Sirius is so bright when in conjunction with the sun, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. For the Egyptians, the rising of Sirius, known to them as Sothis, coincided with the Nile River’s flood season. The star was used as a “watchdog” ahead of the season.
Today, the phrase has been used to describe the stretch of summer when the days begin to blend together, the summer heat sets in and everything “summer” is peaking.
It’s referenced in literature, music, movies and advertising campaigns (queue Florence + the Machine, Dog Days Are Over).
And last but certainly not least, the cutest post-swim shake from BOOMer!
