Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:29:59-4:31:39

The Dog Star as a naval navigational name

Dog Star is an older name for Sirius, a prominent navigational star in Canis Major, giving the name a practical maritime association.

Celestial NavigationRoyal NavyShip NamesSirius
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Question

Why would HMS Dog Star be a serious naval name?

Short answer

Dog Star is an older name for Sirius, a prominent navigational star in Canis Major, giving the name a practical maritime association.

Notes

HMS Dog Star draws its name from Sirius in Canis Major. The star has long been known as the Dog Star and served within the vocabulary of traditional navigation. The name therefore carries a precise astronomical and seafaring reference. What first sounds whimsical has a practical maritime association.