Want to Name a Star? The 21st Century Pet Rock. It's the Thought That Counts.
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Staten Island, NY Posted: 10/29/2014 1:00:00 AM
I had a Pet Rock in the 70s. It came with a list of tricks it can do, especially STAY! At least I knew it was a novelty.
It's that time of the year again. What a perfect time to advertise the gift for the person who has everything... why not name a star after them?
According to the commercials, for about $50, they will ship a certificate and all sorts of gift worthy stuff to the person you are honoring. How cool is that? It's a gift they will be proud of.
There's nothing wrong with that. Other than the fact that star names aren't "officially" for sale. Just to be clear, there are a number of companies who have created unofficial lists of stars that they put into their own books. For a few bucks more, they will sell you a copy of their latest book. Just keep in mind that they've sold more stars than are humanly visible from earth, so chances are if you decide you want to name a star after somebody, you won't be able to point up in the sky and say "See that one, next to Sirius? That one's called Mildred Schwartz."
Some of the stars that are visible with the naked eye were given names in ancient times, but with the advent of modern telescopes, scientists needed to create names for literally billions of stars and other celestial bodies. Over the past few centuries, various naming systems proved to be too short sighted because the number of astronomical bodies increased beyond their expectations. An organization called The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is now the official recognized naming authority for astronomical bodies, and they use a very systematic system for assigning unambiguous names for every celestial body... most of which are not visible from earth. In fact, many of them are only visible using X-Ray and Radio Telescopes.
This means even the classic star such as Betelgeuse, the bright red supergiant in the Orion Constellation can also be referenced by newer naming systems, so it can also be referred to as Alpha Orionis, HR 2061, BD +7 1055, HD 39801, SAO 113271, or PPM 149643.
Since the IAU doesn't sell official star names, if you want to name a star after somebody, you have three choices.
1. Buy the name from one of the star naming companies.
You'll get a nice certificate and cool stuff you can frame. She'll thank you and get all warm an fuzzy inside when she sees it.
2. Take a nice long walk along the beach... point to the biggest, brightest star you can see, look that special someone in the eye and say "Snookums... that's your star. But it's not as bright as our love."
Congratulations Sparky, you've just saved yourself $50 and you and your loved one won't need a book to find it when you want to rekindle the warm and fuzzy feeling.
3. Send the $50 you just saved to the nearest pet shelter in her name.
I guarantee they will send her a nice letter and not only will she feel warm and fuzzy about the gesture, but you will help some cute doggies and kitties find homes with families who will feel warm and fuzzy when they snuggle with their new pet.
Like the Pet Rock, all three are great gift ideas. After all, it's still the thought that counts
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
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