#sothic cycle

The Dog Days and Sothic Cycles of August

Looking east on the morning of August 5th from latitude 30 degrees north. Image credit: Stellarium

The month of August is upon us once again, bringing with it humid days and sultry nights for North American observers.

You’ll often hear the first few weeks of August referred to as the Dog Days of Summer. Certainly, the oppressive midday heat may make you feel like lounging around in the shade like…