Star Names
The Eyelashes (al-ash’ar)
The Eyelashes are part of the Arabian megaconstellation of the Lion (al-asad). Their exact identification is uncertain, but Ibn Qutayba (d. 889) said that they are located in front of the Eyes (at-tarf).
The Eyelashes (at-tarf) as they appear in the west about 45 minutes before sunrise in early January. Sky simulations made with Stellarium.
Appearance
An undefined number stars located in front of the Eyes (at-tarf).
Modern Identification
The most likely candidates for the stars of the Eyelashes include:
μ LEO (Ras Elased Borealis), yellow-white star, magnitude 3.9
κ LEO, yellow-white star, magnitude 4.5
λ LEO (Alterf), orange star, magnitude 4.3
ξ LEO, white star, magnitude 5.0
6 LEO, yellow star, magnitude 5.1
10 LEO, white star, magnitude 5.0
2 HYA, yellow star, magnitude 4.7
Timing
Ibn Qutayba (d. 879 CE) reported that the Eyes were said to rise on the morning of August 2 and set on the morning of February 1. On account of the precession of the equinoxes, today we can expect to observe the Eyelashes setting in late February and rising in late August, as seen from the latitude of Tucson. (See How to Observe on the About page for more on this topic.)
Rain Stars
The Eyelashes do not figure in the calendar of the rains stars.
Lunar Stations
The Eyelashes are not one of the lunar stations, but in early listings of the lunar stations, the Eyes are the 11th station of the year. This was later changed to the ninth lunar station after the stations were adjusted to begin with the vernal equinox.
Related Stars and Celestial Complexes
The Eyelashes are part of the Lion (al-asad, الأسد) folkloric celestial complex, which extends from the Two Forearms (adh-dhira’an, الذراعان) to the Two Shanks (as-saqan, الساقان).
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