1 – Sirius: Brightest Diamond in the Night Sky: Jay B. Holberg, 2007. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history and scientific understanding of Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. The author covers the discovery of Sirius by ancient civilizations, its importance in mythology and religion, and its significance in modern astronomy. The book also explores the physical properties of Sirius, such as its size, temperature, and luminosity, and its role in stellar evolution. Holberg discusses how the study of Sirius has led to important insights into topics such as binary star systems and the search for exoplanets. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history and science of Sirius.
2 – The Sirius Mystery: Robert K. G. Temple, 1976. In this book, the author explores the hypothesis that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and that the Dogon tribe of West Africa possessed knowledge of their existence. Temple suggests that the Dogon knew about the existence of Sirius B, the companion star to Sirius A, long before it was discovered by astronomers, and that this knowledge could only have been obtained from an advanced alien civilization. The book has been controversial and criticized by many scientists for its lack of evidence, but it remains a fascinating read for those interested in the intersection of mythology, religion, and extraterrestrial life.
3 – Sirius Matters: Noah Brosch, 2008. This book is a collection of essays written by a variety of experts in the fields of astronomy, history, mythology, and anthropology, all centered around the topic of Sirius. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the cultural significance of Sirius in different civilizations to the latest scientific research on the star. Some of the essays explore the role of Sirius in religion and mythology, while others delve into the astrophysics of the star and its implications for our understanding of the universe. Overall, this book provides a well-rounded and interdisciplinary perspective on the many ways in which Sirius has impacted human knowledge and culture.
4 – The Hounds of Skaith: Leigh Brackett, 1974. This science fiction novel is the third in a series by Brackett and is set on the fictional planet of Skaith. The plot centers around a group of characters who must navigate the treacherous landscape of Skaith while avoiding capture by the Hounds, a group of mysterious creatures that are said to be controlled by the god-like beings who rule the planet. One of the key plot points of the novel is the appearance of the star Sirius in the sky, which is seen as a harbinger of doom by the inhabitants of Skaith. While not strictly a book about Sirius itself, The Hounds of Skaith is an interesting example of how the star has been incorporated into works of fiction and popular culture.
5 – Star Myths of the Greeks and Romans: Theony Condos, 1997. This book explores the myths and legends surrounding the constellations and stars in the night sky as they were understood by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The author covers a wide range of topics, from the stories of the Olympian gods to the hero myths of figures such as Perseus and Orion. Throughout the book, Condos emphasizes the close relationship between the mythological tales and the physical characteristics of the stars themselves, including their brightness, color, and position in the sky. While not focused specifically on Sirius, the book provides valuable context for understanding the role of stars and constellations in ancient myth and culture.
6 – The Sirius Mystery Revisited: Andrew Collins, 2012. In this updated version of Temple’s book (see item 2 in the list), the author Andrew Collins revisits the hypothesis that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and shared knowledge about Sirius with certain cultures. Collins provides new evidence and interpretations to support this theory, drawing on a range of sources including ancient texts, archaeology, and anthropology. The book also includes discussion of the controversial nature of the original Sirius Mystery hypothesis and the criticisms it has faced from mainstream scientists. Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking and updated take on one of the most famous theories related to Sirius.
7 – The Sirius Connection: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Egypt: Murry Hope, 1999. This book explores the connections between the star Sirius and ancient Egyptian culture and religion. The author argues that Sirius played a crucial role in Egyptian mythology and astronomy, serving as the home of the gods and a guide for navigation and agriculture. The book covers topics such as the role of Sirius in the Egyptian calendar, the symbolism of the goddess Isis, and the importance of the star in the afterlife. While some of the claims made by the author may be controversial, the book offers a unique perspective on the cultural significance of Sirius in one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
8 – Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning: Richard H. Allen, 1963. This classic reference work provides a comprehensive survey of the names and legends associated with the stars and constellations. The book covers a wide range of cultures and civilizations, from ancient Babylon and Greece to the indigenous peoples of North America and Australia. For each star or constellation, Allen provides a detailed history of its naming and significance, drawing on a wealth of sources including myth, religion, and astronomy. While not focused specifically on Sirius, the book offers valuable context for understanding the diverse ways in which humans have interpreted the stars throughout history.
9 – The Sirius Mystery: New Scientific Evidence of Alien Contact 5,000 Years Ago: Robert Temple, 1999. In this updated version of Temple’s original book (see item 2 in the list), the author provides new evidence and analysis to support the idea that the Dogon tribe of West Africa possessed knowledge of the star Sirius that could only have come from an advanced alien civilization. The book includes a detailed examination of the cultural, linguistic, and astronomical evidence supporting the hypothesis, as well as responses to the criticisms that the theory has faced. While the theory remains controversial and has been largely rejected by mainstream science, this book offers an intriguing look at one of the most famous examples of alleged alien contact.
10 – Sirius: The Mythology and Astronomy of the Dogon Tribe: Laird Scranton, 2011. This book examines the mythology and astronomy of the Dogon tribe of West Africa, with a particular focus on their alleged knowledge of the star Sirius. Scranton explores the various theories and interpretations surrounding the Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius B, the companion star to Sirius A, which was not discovered by Western astronomers until the 20th century. The book draws on a range of sources including anthropological research, traditional Dogon mythology, and modern astronomical data. While some of the claims made in the book may be controversial, it offers a fascinating look at the intersection of ancient myth, modern science, and cultural exchange.
