A couple of ancient star patterns wheel low across the south on summer nights. The teapot of Sagittarius is due south at nightfall, with the wide triangle of Capricornus far to its left, in the southeast. A tiny group of four faint stars stands about halfway between these two prominent patterns, on the western edge of Sagittarius. In western skylore, it’s named Terebellum, after one of the four stars. To Chinese skywatchers, though, these four stars are known as the Country of the Dogs. Legend says that the ancient Emperor Ku was plagued by a warring tribe on China’s western frontier. He was so concerned about the threat that he offered a big reward, plus the hand of his daughter, the princess, to anyone who could rid him of the menace. Upon hearing the offer, his almost-human dog Panhu immediately left the palace. Panhu was nowhere to be found for several months. Eventually, though, he returned — carrying the head of the enemy chieftain in his mouth. Ku was happy about getting rid of
