What is the origin of the phrase ‘dog days of summer’? (Bing Quiz)

[7-3-2022] Microsoft Rewards Bing Homepage Quiz Question: What is the origin of the phrase ‘dog days of summer’?

The given options are:

• The start of mating season for most dogs
• The time of year dogs begin to shed their fur
• The annual rising of the dog star, Sirius

Correct Answer: The annual rising of the dog star, Sirius

Info: The start of the dog days of summer, which go from July 3 to August 11, coincides with the rising of the ‘dog star,’ Sirius, in the night sky. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, partly because of its proximity to our solar system. Its name is derived from the Greek word Σείριος, or Seirios, meaning lit. ‘glowing’ or ‘scorching’. Sirius is almost twice as bright as Canopus, the next brightest star. The dog days are thought of as the hottest days of the year.

Today’s “Microsoft Rewards Bing Homepage Quiz” has three questions related to Sirius. Each question has only one correct answer and carries one point. The wrong answer does not earn any points. So, select only the correct answers.

All three questions from today’s Bing Homepage Quiz are below. You can find their answers by visiting those pages.

1. They’re in the dog family, but their babies are called kits, not pups. What are they?
2. What is the origin of the phrase ‘dog days of summer’?
3. Sirius is the dominant star in what constellation?