I’m sure you’ve heard the commercials saying what better way to honor a loved one than to have their name immortalized in the night sky? Is it even possible? In the end, the answer is subjective.
As far as we know, the International Star Registry is still going strong. Canadian Ira Downings created it over 30 years ago and even after selling the brand to an American businesswoman, the company, now based in Illinois, continued to grow especially with the help of the radio advertising that was added to the mix.
Since 1979, they’ve given out more than half a million stars. In fact, it’s so lucrative, their attorneys have to fight against other star-naming pretenders.
In the words of its management, they’re at their busiest around the holidays and on Valentine’s Day. It’s a special and romantic give that lets you tell the person you care about that there is a star in the sky that is named after them. Unfortunately, the star they offer you is so weak that it’s not even observable through binoculars. They’ve run out of visible light stars decades ago.
Is It Possible To Name A Star?
As far as I know, anyone can name anything they want. As long as it’s yours, you’re free to call it whatever you choose. What you need to ask is if you can actually buying a star? Well, the answer is simpler.
No, you can’t.
There’s no such thing as selling the names of stars. Stars can only be given official names by the International Astronomical Union or IAU. The names of several celestial bodies have been passed down for centuries. The IAU assigns names to most stars based on their numerical designations and geographic locations, hasn’t added any new stars in years, and isn’t likely to do so soon.
In light of this, what can we say about the star registration businesses? It’s a fascinating tale, to be sure. The International Star Registry or ISR was given a penalty notice by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs in 1998. ISR is not a scientific body in any way, let alone one that can legally name things, so it’s against the rules to offer something you don’t own.
Should You Buy A Star?
It costs $54 to acquire a one-page star chart that includes one circled dot and a fancy certificate announcing that this star will now be called Sophia, or Michael, or any name you want. Add more money if you want it framed.
Even if this star explodes and attracts worldwide notice, no astronomer, observatory, star atlas, or another piece of astronomical literature will ever refer to it as your or your loved one’s name. So, who is going to recognize this star as yours? The company, that’s who.
As long as you don’t use trademarks or celebrity names, you can rename anything you want without breaking the law. In a nutshell, it’s a gag present. You can buy a star, it’s fine. It’s a considerate gift from someone you care about, after all. This is a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys gazing up into the night sky, and that’s always a good thing.
It may be wiser to adopt a star from a non-profit organization rather than purchasing one.
Do what I do, and marvel at the beauty of the stars!