How can I name a star after someone I know? Do I have to find it myself?

Question

umm...don't know why you get the idea of me naming after a girl. I mean, If things didn't work out. I'd be pissed everytime I look up. Naming it after a good friend and mentor.

Answer 1

Here's some info about star naming companies and why they are basically huge scams:
http://www.enzerink.net/peter/astronomy/starfaq/

Personally, I think it would be more romantic to go out with your girlfriend on a starry night and choose a star together that will be "your star". The star registries will "sell" you a star that you won't be able to see naked eye, you might not even be able to see it with an average telescope!

Answer 2

Ferdinand is absolutely right! There's a company that advertises heavily on radio to "name a star after someone." But all these guys do is put your name on a list that they keep. No one other than you and this company gets to know that you've paid to "rename" the star.

Perhaps that's a good thing, because if people did learn that you wasted your money on "naming a star after someone," your friends would think you a gibbering idiot, your sweetie's parents would say that you'll never amount to anything, and spammers would soon be lining up to sell you products like fake Rolexes and bogus stocks.

"Name a star after someone" makes an excellent gift for the category of people who don't know the difference between astrology and astronomy.

Answer 3

The organization that claims to name stars for you actually doesn't. They just have a record of all those that have paid and requested to have their name added to the companys list of chosen stars and the names that the payee requested. Nothing in the rest of the world reflects the name you request, no scientific or governmental records or any other records for that matter. It's a scam. You give them money, they tell you a story.

Be creative, be romantic, be smart. Research the stars find one that has a name that you like or other reason you would choose it. Get a telescope and a blanket and a bottle of wine. Bring your girlfriend out and show her the star. Now it's YOUR star. You did the work for her. She'll appreciate it and you won't be being robbed.

Answer 4

Yes you must find it (or be on a team that does). And it wont be a local one that you can see at night. Also it is likely that it will still be known by a catalog number (it's just easier for scientists sometimes who deal with many stars). Don't bother with those people who claim that they will give some obscure star a name of your choice. They are often given many unofficial names and, of course, still called by their catalog number. If you are looking for a lasting gift like that, you might want to consider donating to a charity in someone's name perhaps to preserve part of the rainforest?

Answer 5

yes, that would be the best way, but I believe you may be able to buy a star's naming rights. Look through some astronomer's sites. Normally, when someone finds a new star, via the radiowave telescope, the give it a lettered number of some sort, like MK1189

Answer 6

Actually, it's really easy. I think I'd read a news article about a group or company that sells the rights. I googled it and found this site: http://www.starregistry.com/ I'd do a little research to find out if there are alternatives, etc.

Answer 7

The point is she has to be there with you so she can see the star you naming after her. Plus if you find it with her there she will feel special.

Answer 8

well if you find a star you call up the nearest star geeks and they say yes we have that located etc or they say (and what your hoping for) no what would you like it to be

Answer 9

of course!

Answer 10

ohh... this is so romantic, U R KILLING ME MAN!