Who do you consult when you discover a star?

Question

I'm typing a paper and this is a very important component, please help.

I didn't discover a star. It's a paper I'm writing for school. This is the assignment. But who says I couldn't do it, besides you guys?

Pretend you are an astronomer studying a recently discovered star. Prepare a presentation in which you define the characteristics of the star, compare the star to our sun, and show the placement of your star on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.

So I want the organization that registers newly discovered stars please.

So I want the organization that registers newly discovered stars please.

Answer 1

Get in touch with the Space Centre called Nasa. If they don't handle it they could probably tell you who to contact.

Answer 2

It's highly unlikely an amateur astronomer would discover a new "star". However, new astronomical objects are disovered from time to time (comets, asteroids, supernovae, etc) and when that occurs, it should be reported to the IAU's Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT).

As a side note, paying $50 or some other amount to name a star after someone is a waste of money. This naming thing is purely for entertainment purposes only. Your name will not be recorded as the official name of a star. They put all the names in a book that is published and can be purchased but this is meaningless. Anyone can write a book that names every star in the sky after after whatever they want. It doesn't make it official. The IAU (International Astronomical Union) is the only recognized authority for naming and designating stars and other astronomical objects, and they do not have any programs available for naming stars after people.

Answer 3

Try your local astronomer, there is often one with a local university. Or better yet, a local astronomical club.

The IAU doesn't bother with discovery of individual stars any more. If you make a catalog of 1000's of stars, they might recognize the catalog as something special.

Mostly, when a astronomer discovers a new star, she writes a quick letter about it and sends it to some astronomer friends. They check it to make sure it's real. Then she sends it to a professional astronomy magazine, like "Astronomy & Astrophysics", and if they think its worth something, they print it in the magazine.

Answer 4

Probably the International Astronomers Union (IAU). They have to have to approve of constellations, so they probably do stars, too.

Answer 5

first of all it would be very impossible to discover a 'new' star... but you could name your own and 'buy' it... go to http://www.starregistry.com ...