heliacal rising

British  

/ hɪˈlaɪəkəl /

noun

1. the rising of a celestial object at approximately the same time as the rising of the sun

2. the date at which such a celestial object first becomes visible in the dawn sky

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Etymology

Origin of heliacal rising

C17: from Late Latin hēliacus relating to the sun, from Greek hēliakos, from hēlios the sun

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heliacal rising

It seems to have been considered of great importance in ancient Egypt, as its heliacal rising announced that of Sirius, which heralded the annual rising of the Nile.

From Astronomical Curiosities Facts and Fallacies by J. Ellard Gore

Swart star: the Dogstar, called swarthy because its heliacal rising in ancient times occurred soon after mid-summer. moist vows: either tearful prayers, or prayers for one at sea.

From The Golden Treasury Of the Best Songs and Lyrical Poems in the English Language by Francis Turner Palgrave

And precisely at the moment of the heliacal rising of Arcturus, also rose Spica Virginis.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Albert Pike

I do not see how the heliacal rising of Sirius in any one year could help them to determine its length.

From Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville by Mary Somerville

They approximated to the truth in reference to the solar year, by observing the equinoxes and solstices and the heliacal rising of particular stars.

From Beacon Lights of History, Volume 03 Ancient Achievements by John Lord