Star Names
The Wasteland (al-balda)
The Wasteland is part of the Ostriches (an-na’a’im) celestial complex, which includes the Drinking Ostriches (an-na’am al-warid), the Returning Ostriches (an-na’am as-sadir) and the Ostrich Nest (al-udhi). The Wasteland is a region of sky that has no bright stars, located next to the Ostrich Nest, between the Ostriches and the Auspice of the Slaughterer (sa’d adh-dhabih).
The Wasteland (al-balda) as it appears in the west about 45 minutes before sunrise in late June. Sky simulations made with Stellarium.
Appearance
A region of sky devoid of bright stars, located between the Ostriches and the the Auspice of the Slaughterer.
Modern Identification
An empty region of sky located near the stars of the Ostrich Nest (ξ, ο, π, 43, ρ, υ SGR).
Timing
Ibn Qutayba (d. 879 CE) reported that the Wasteland was said to rise on the morning of January 5 and set on the morning of July 5. On account of the precession of the equinoxes, today we can expect to observe the Wasteland setting in mid-July and rising in late January, as seen from the latitude of Tucson. (See How to Observe on the About page for more on this topic.)
Rain Stars
The Wasteland does not figure in the calendar of the rains stars.
Lunar Stations
In early listings of the lunar stations, the Wasteland is the 23rd station of the year. This was later changed to the 21st lunar station after the stations were adjusted to begin with the vernal equinox.
Related Stars and Celestial Complexes
The Wasteland is part of the Ostriches (an-na’a’im, النعائم) folkloric celestial complex.
Related Blog Posts
Ostriches in the Sweltering Wasteland