Download Sirius - Springer

J.B. Holberg
Sirius
Brightest Diamond in the Night Sky
Series: Popular Astronomy
2007, XVIII, 250 p. 50 illus., 5 illus. in color.
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▶ The first book to integrate the cultural history of Sirius with modern
astrophysics in a way which provides a realistic view of how science
progresses over time
▶ Explains how studies of the star Sirius have played a pivotal role in
achieving our current understanding of the nature and fate of stars
▶ Demonstrates the importance of Sirius to many civilisations and
cultures over thousands of years
▶ Provides an intriguing, in-depth treatment of longstanding Sirius
controversies, such as Red Sirius and the story of the Dogon tribe
▶ Contains the results of original historical studies, as well as topical
and timely scientific research
Of all the fixed stars in the night sky, Sirius is by far the brightest – almost twice as bright
as its nearest rival, the star Canopus, which lies too far south to be viewed from most of
the Northern Hemisphere. Only the Sun, Moon and the planets Venus, Jupiter and, at
times, Mars, appear brighter. Sirius, with its flashing brilliance, is a striking feature of the
northern winter sky and has understandably drawn the attention of observers of the night
sky for thousands of years.
Sirius has many names. Astronomers recognize over fifty designations for the star, but the
most commonly used is Alpha Canis Majoris, the brightest star in the constellation Canis
Major. This is Latin for the 'Great Dog', which has led to its popular nickname the ‘Dog
Star’.
Over the centuries many beliefs have come to be associated with Sirius. Some of these
beliefs still echo in such phrases as ‘the dog days of summer’, which the ancient Romans
understood well. Other old beliefs long ago fell from public consciousness — only to be
revived and to grow into modern popular and scientific controversies. Although these
beliefs may seem quite recent
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