Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It is one component of the constellation Canis Major ("The Bigger Dog") which mankind has noted—and has been watching closely—for millennia. This dog follows its master, the constellation Orion (the hunter), across the heavenly skies, chasing the constellation Lepus (the hare). During the mid-summer (in the Northern Hemisphere), Sirius is observed rising above the horizon each morning—alongside the Sun. Because Sirius is so bright, it was believed that its extra heat, combined with the Sun, made this part of the year extra hot. The Ancients blamed Sirius for The Dog Days of Summer—with its seasonal heat, drought, thunderstorms, sickness and madness (in both men and dogs). The Dog Days of Summer are the 40 day period from 3 July through 11 August.
The study of stars—which continues to this day—really puts our small human lives into sharp perspective. Although Sirius is amongst the dozen stars closest to Earth (with our Sun being the closest), it is still 8.6 lightyears away. This means that the light produced by Sirius at this very moment will be visible to us in 8.6 years. (And remember how very fast light travels.)
The bookends, shown above, are bronze-clad sculptures of an attentive terrier. The sculptor portrayed the appealing energy of a loyal terrier—shown leaning-in, awaiting his master's word. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.