For this christmas I was thinking about getting a Star for my dad as a present. I dont want him not to like it becasue it is nothing. HElp me please
2007-12-07 08:26:13 · 10 answers · asked by Lucas T 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It depends on what type of person your dad is. Is he a romantic type who would really be moved by something like that, or is he a more practical person?
Keep in mind that you will not be able to take him outside and point his star out in the sky unless you have a really powerful telescope. Even on the clearest night in an area where there is absolutely no light pollution, a person can only see about 2500 stars at a time, and the organization claims they have already named over a million stars. So all the ones that can actually be seen have long since been taken...and honestly, who's really going to demand a copy of the ISR database and search through a million different star coordinates to ensure that their named star is unique to them? It's only logical that they use the same stars many times over. Additionally, the "sale" names of any celestial body is not recognized by any authority:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_real_estate
It is true, however, that their plaques are very intricate and artistic and look quite nice...so your dad might enjoy it if he's into that kind of thing.
Personally, I honestly think you'd be better off getting him an amazon gift card, and he can get exactly what he wants or needs...but that's just me.
2007-12-07 08:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by Vangorn2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the International Astronomical Union names stars. Generally, ordinary stars are given simple catalogue numbers. In other words, you got scammed by the International Star Registry. The names you buy aren't official. I'm sorry.
2016-05-22 01:27:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well.. if your Dad is a romantic, he might understand. If he isn't, he will think you wasted good money on nonsense.
The biggest problem with your present is it's size. Even if you "get" a giant star halfway across the galaxy, you won't be able to see it without a substantial telescope. And the sight will be pretty, let's just say.... disappointing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Star_Registry
It's really up to you. Do you like to fall for a pretty cheap and petty way of making money just because it is, on some level, romantic, or do you get your Dad something real.
2007-12-07 08:39:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The names given by the International Star Registry have no validity among astronomers, and the whole operation is really close to fraud. Why not give your dad a subscription to an astronomy magazine or membership in an astronomy club instead?
2007-12-07 08:35:55 · answer #4 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nah.. Don't do it. I had a star named - and they send you a piece of paper & a map.
It's a nice thought, but make no mistake - even if they find aliens living on a planet orbiting the star you name, no one's going to call it by the name you gave it.
For $30 (or whatever it is nowadays), get something useful.
2007-12-07 08:54:34 · answer #5 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not worth it.
There are many "registry" services who pretend to have the right to name stars.
None of them do.
Some (not many) use the money for good purposes (like local astronomy clubs); most simply get rich at your expense.
Only the IAU gets to name stars, and the naming scheme is already in place (using a combination of Greek letters, normal letters, numbers, etc., combined with names of constellations). The only "names" we use are historical (i.e., they come from many centuries ago).
2007-12-07 08:35:29 · answer #6 · answered by Raymond 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no you're right. It IS nothing. You pay money for nothing except a peice of paper.
Get him something that has value and somethign that you know he will like and use often. That would be the best present to give him
2007-12-07 08:30:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not of it costs you a penny.
Ask yourself why you are paying somebody!
Just pick a star and claim it. Make sure you don't confuse one of our planets for a star (many do and have done throughout history) because we can't allow them to be sold!
Have fun.
2007-12-07 09:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well look at it this way. It is like spending money on a stripper. The excitement last about 5 minutes and then we move on.
2007-12-07 09:50:46 · answer #9 · answered by wcowell2000 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not worth it this kind of thing is really a scam.
2007-12-07 13:52:57 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋