How do you name a star after you?

So, You Want to “Name” a Star After Yourself? Here’s the Real Deal

Ever looked up at the night sky and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a star named after me?” You’re not alone! The idea is super appealing, right? Well, good news: you can “name” a star. Now, for the slightly less thrilling part: that name won’t exactly be showing up in any astronomy textbooks. Let’s dive into what’s really going on.

The Star-Naming Business: What You’re Actually Paying For

There are tons of companies out there offering star-naming services. Basically, you pay them a fee, pick a name, and they’ll add it to their registry. You’ll usually get a fancy certificate and a star chart, too. Prices can range from around $30 to over $100, depending on how “bright” you want your star to be and what extras come with it – think framed certificates or even mobile apps. Some even have “Supernova” packages for those extra-bright stars. Fancy!

Now, these services are legit in the sense that you get something for your money. But it’s super important to know exactly what you’re buying.

The Official Word: The International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Okay, so here’s the thing: the only organization that scientists recognize for naming stuff in space is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). These are the folks who keep everything straight when it comes to naming celestial objects. It’s all about clear communication for astronomers around the world.

And guess what? The IAU doesn’t sell star names. Nope. They assign alphanumeric codes to most stars for scientific reasons. A few bright, historically important stars have actual names, often from Greek, Latin, or Arabic. The IAU even has a special team – the Working Group on Star Names (WGSN) – that keeps track of these names and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.

Why Your Commercial Star Name Won’t Show Up in Textbooks

The IAU is pretty clear about this: they’re not involved with those companies selling star names. So, that name you bought? It won’t be official, and astronomers won’t use it. It definitely won’t be on any official star charts.

Think of it like this: you could name a street in your backyard, but that doesn’t mean the city’s going to put it on the map, right? Naming a star through one of these services is more of a symbolic thing, not an official one.

Why We Love the Idea of Naming Stars

Even though it’s not “official,” naming a star is still a really popular gift. I get it! It’s a cool, personal way to honor someone you care about, celebrate something special, or just feel a little more connected to the universe. And hey, that certificate and star chart? They’re a nice reminder of the thought.

Other Ways to Get Your Astronomy Fix

Want to get more involved with astronomy in a way that actually makes a difference? Here are a few ideas:

• Learn about the night sky: Grab a telescope or binoculars and start exploring! Join a local astronomy club or visit a planetarium.
• Support space research: Donate to a reputable organization that helps fund astronomy research and education.
• “Adopt” a star through a planetarium: Some planetariums and observatories have “adopt-a-star” programs to raise money. You don’t get to name it, but you’re helping them do awesome work!
• Discover an asteroid: Okay, this is a long shot, but if you discover an asteroid, you get to suggest a name to the IAU! How cool would that be?

Final Thoughts

So, yeah, you can “name” a star through one of those companies, but just remember it’s more of a symbolic gesture than anything else. The IAU is the only group that officially names celestial objects, and they don’t sell names. If you’re looking for a real connection to the cosmos, try learning more about astronomy, supporting research, or visiting your local planetarium. You might be surprised at what you discover!