Star Names
The Elbow (al-mirfaq)
The Elbow is part of the Henna-Dyed Hand (al-kaf al-khadib) of Thuraya, a brilliant star cluster that was anthropomorphized as a female figure. One of two Hands, the Henna-Dyed Hand is longer than the Amputated Hand (al-kaf al-jadhma’) and features several well-defined elements.
The Elbow (al-mirfaq) as it appears in the west about 45 minutes before sunrise in early November. Sky simulations made with Stellarium.
Appearance
A single bright star located between the Henna-Dyed Hand and Thuraya.
Modern Identification
α PER (Mirfak), yellow supergiant, magnitude 1.80
Timing
The Elbow sets about the time that the Brand (al-haq’a) sets. Ibn Qutayba (d. 879 CE) reported that the Brand was said to set on the morning of December 9. On account of the precession of the equinoxes, today we can expect to observe the Elbow setting in early January and rising in the middle of April, as seen from the latitude of Tucson. (See How to Observe on the About page for more on this topic.)
Rain Stars
The Elbow does not figure among the rain stars.
Lunar Stations
The Elbow is not one of the lunar stations.
Related Stars and Celestial Complexes
The Elbow is part of the Hands of Thuraya (aydi ath-thuraya, أيدي الثريا) folkloric celestial complex. The Elbow connects the Henna-Dyed Hand (al-kaf al-khadib, الكف الخضيب) to Thuraya itself (ath-thuraya, الثريا).