Phenomenon is not just about satisfying curiosity, it also helps us understand the position of the Earth in the universe and our vulnerability as inhabitants of the Earth. By studying stars like Sirius, we can better prepare for potential challenges in the future.
Sirius has attracted human attention since ancient times and has various symbolic meanings in different cultures. In ancient Egypt, the appearance of Sirius heralded the beginning of the Nile flood season and was a symbol of rebirth and hope. The ancient Egyptians regarded Sirius as the “Sogdet”, a goddess who brought abundant resources and was closely related to the flooding of the Nile River.
Due to the rotation of the Earth, the position of stars in the sky changes every day. When Sirius appears on the eastern horizon at dawn, it indicates that the Nile is about to flood, bringing fertile soil to the land and enabling people to start farming. This day is approximately the current summer solstice, so Sirius was used as the standard for the ancient Egyptian calendar as the beginning of a new year.
Sirius existed in various literary works in ancient China as a malevolent star. For example, Su Shi’s “Jiangchengzi: Hunting in Mizhou” mentions “looking northwest, shooting at Sirius”. Here, “Sirius” refers to Sirius, symbolizing invasion and challenge.
