Home » Hobbies, Games & Toys » Science Hobbies » Astronomy

How to Name Stars

0 Comments

1 Like

Like 1

Pin It

Ranked #11,660 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #162,845 overall

How do I name a star?

What you are really doing when you name a star after someone is giving that person a unique, thoughtful gift. Whether it be a gift of affection towards your significant other, a present for your little nephew who is obsessed with space, or a neat little add-on to your family tree, naming a star after someone is sure to be an unexpected and unprecedented gift. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of websites scattered across the internet offering services that name a star and plenty of confusion as to what you actually get. If you have decided to name a star after someone, you want a nice, personalized gift that shows thought and has meaning. Let's face it, if all your getting is a meaningless piece of paper, you might as well make one yourself and print it at home. You want to name a star in an internationally recognized star registry that regularly publishes its database to a wide audience.

Where can I name a star?

The International Star Registry: You can name a star by registering it with the International Star Registry, which is currently present in 19 countries. Your star's name will be recorded in the ISR database, operating since 1979. In addition to your star's documentation, you get a dated certificate issued by the registry with your star's name and coordinates and an updated copy of their official star chart. You have the option to have your certificate come in a formal gold metallic double matted frame and include a hardcover copy the latest volume of "Your Place in the Cosmos", the International Star Registry's official publication that contains the names of registered stars.
.
The Online Star Registry: You can also name a star through the Online Star Registry to have it recorded under copyright for Online Star Registry's star booklet. All star name registration packages with the Online Star Registry include their official publication, "The Book of Stars", in addition to star name, certificate, and the OSR Star Map. The Online Star Registry also offers you the option to select the constellation of your star to make it more personal.

Both of these organizations are well-recognized and maintain databases registered in the U.S. Copyright Office.

Why name a star after someone?

Click Here to Learn More about the Online Star Registry

The main reason people want to name a star is to give a special gift. If your loved one is a person who's eyes light up with a thoughtful gift they probably never received before, then its a fantastic idea. Children love to look up at night and use their star charts to find their star. Space and astronomy enthusiasts will appreciate a fun gift that compliments their interests. The following are some star-naming suggestions:

1. Name a star after yourself and your significant other to express your love or to commemorate a special occasion.

2. Name a star for a child. Its very exciting for kids and gives them an original and personal collectible to cherish and share.

3. Anyone who is fascinated by space, astronomy, science fiction, or astrology is sure to love having his or her own star.

4. Name a star as a gag gift. This can be hilarious, provided you keep the sense of humor of the person receiving it in mind.

5. Name stars after family members for a special addition to your family tree. Its simple, fun, and sure to enjoyed for generations to come.

Can you "officially" buy or name a star?

You can name a star by registering it with the International Star Registry

If by official you mean that NASA will recognize your star name, the answer is no. Only the IAU (International Astronomical Union) can name stars for scientific purposes. When you think about it, if the names of stars were constantly changing in textbooks as more and more stars are purchased, scientists would have a difficult time communicating to say the least. You can however name a star after someone by registering your star's name in the International Star Registry or the Online Star Registry.