Buy a Star in the Sky - Information and Tips
Has it ever occurred to you that you can buy a star in the sky? Well it is possible to name a star after you, and this is what people actually imply by a service where they buy a star in the sky. This fashion trend has become a profitable opportunity for businesses that intermediate the deal particularly since the star naming is considered both romantic and very chic as a birthday gift or some form of memorial to someone. Skeptical about it? No one would blame you; just imagine how many stars called “Jane” there must be. Yet, the star name is registered only with the company that sells the service and it does not appear in any other official records.
The most common of occasions when people buying a star in the sky include anniversaries, new babies, birthdays and other special events. A star represents a unique and thoughtful gift, just think of how significant such a gesture can be when associated with a baby’s coming to the world. The majority of the stars known to our world have names from the antique times and such data were recorded in special atlases that are as old as two and a half millennia. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has the authority for celestial body naming, and they do not recognize the stars you buy from all sorts of companies.
When you want to buy a star in the sky, you get to choose among several packages that can be ordered online or through mail after filling a form. The naming of the star is usually around $15, but the star certificate, the plaque for framing it and some informative literature on astronomy are also included in the package. Moon phase calendars, books and atlases as well a plani-sphere make the elements of the kit in the most advanced or special of variants. Such a gift costs around $100 and it is thought to be very efficient in terms of sentimental impact on the person it is offered to.
Keep in mind that even though you buy a star in the sky, this isn’t going to be the official name. It will be present in your records only but not in the official documents of the astronomical institutions in charge of sky mapping. Nevertheless, a star with your name is definitely a cool gift and the certificate with its coordinates and astronomical information make possible the eventual identification of the celestial body.