Canis Major-Sirus

In Greek mythology, Canis Major is commonly associated with which figure?

• Artemis' hunting dog

• The dog of Orion

• The guardian of the underworld

• The pet of Zeus

Answer explanation

In Greek mythology, Canis Major is associated with Orion, the hunter. It is said to be his loyal dog, which is why the constellation represents the dog of Orion.

What is the meaning of "Canis Major" in Latin?

• The Fierce Dog

• The Great Dog

• The Swift Hound

• The Hunter’s Companion

Answer explanation

In Latin, "Canis Major" translates to "The Great Dog." This name refers to the prominent constellation that represents a large dog, distinguishing it from other interpretations like "The Fierce Dog" or "The Swift Hound."

In Egyptian mythology, Sirius, the brightest star in Canis Major, was associated with which goddess?

• Hathor

• Isis

• Bastet

• Nut

Answer explanation

In Egyptian mythology, Sirius is associated with the goddess Isis, who represents fertility and motherhood. The heliacal rising of Sirius marked the start of the Nile's flooding, crucial for agriculture, linking it to Isis.

The heliacal rising of Sirius in ancient Egypt was used to predict which annual event?

• The start of winter

• The flooding of the Nile

• The summer solstice

• The best time for hunting

Answer explanation

The heliacal rising of Sirius marked the annual flooding of the Nile in ancient Egypt, which was crucial for agriculture. This event signaled the start of the inundation, making 'The flooding of the Nile' the correct answer.

In Chinese astronomy, Canis Major was associated with which celestial entity?

• The Celestial Wolf

• The Heavenly Dragon

• The Fire Phoenix

• The Emperor’s Chariot

Answer explanation

In Chinese astronomy, Canis Major is associated with the Celestial Wolf, reflecting its significance in their celestial mythology. The other options do not relate to this constellation.

In Mesopotamian mythology, Canis Major was identified with which creature?

• The celestial bull

• The guard dog of the underworld

• The divine wolf

• The shepherd’s protector

Answer explanation

In Mesopotamian mythology, Canis Major is associated with the guard dog of the underworld, symbolizing protection and guidance in the afterlife, making it the correct choice among the options.

In Roman tradition, the "Dog Days" of summer were linked to the rising of which star in Canis Major?

• Adhara

• Wezen

• Sirius

• Mirzam

Answer explanation

In Roman tradition, the "Dog Days" of summer are associated with the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in Canis Major. This period was believed to bring hot weather, hence the name.

Which indigenous American tribe referred to Sirius as the "Wolf Star"?

• Cherokee

• Lakota

• Inuit

• Navajo

Answer explanation

The Cherokee tribe referred to Sirius as the "Wolf Star" due to its prominence in their culture and mythology, associating it with the characteristics of wolves, which are significant in their traditions.

The Aztecs associated Sirius with:

• The birth of a god

• A cosmic battle between animals

• The underworld’s guide

• The sacrifice of a warrior

Answer explanation

The Aztecs viewed Sirius as a guide to the underworld, linking it to their beliefs about the afterlife and the journey of souls. This association highlights its significance in their cosmology.

Which of the following cultures did NOT have a myth or tradition associated with Canis Major?

• Norse

• Greek

• Egyptian

• Australian Aboriginal

Answer explanation

The Norse culture did not have a specific myth or tradition associated with Canis Major, unlike the Greek, Egyptian, and Australian Aboriginal cultures, which all feature this constellation in their mythologies.