It sounds so romantic to name a star in the galaxy, and give it as a gift to someone. Or make a memorial by naming a star after a close friend or family member. NASA and other official agencies receive many requests from people wishing to "buy a star."
However, both NASA and the International Astronomical Union make it clear that it is not legally possible nor scientifically recognized by any officially sanctioned scientific or government body to buy a star, star cluster, or galaxy. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...It simply isn't possible to name a star for free or for fee.
The International Astronomical Union makes this statement: "As an international scientific organization, the IAU dissociates itself entirely from the commercial practise of 'selling' fictitious star names or 'real estate' on other planets or moons in the Solar System. Accordingly, the IAU maintains no list on the enterprises in this business in individual countries of the world."
So when looking into the numerous national and international companies that promise to take a fee and officially name a star with a person's name, don't be fooled and pay good money. It's true that by paying, one may receive an expensive piece of paper and a short-lived euphoria, but really doing this simply lines the pockets of someone. It simply is not official nor recognized.
List of Star Names
What about a list of star names and other phenomenon? The IAU is the official naming body of astronomical bodies. Their list of names are the only names used by scientists, space agencies, and official agencies worldwide. There is an officially accepted code of rules for naming stars.
Stars are named with coordinates: using numbers and positions in the sky. Human names are typically not used for any star name. Constellations have names, and large astronomical bodies such as planets, comets, and another phenomenon have specific names typically learned in school. But because there are billions of billions of stars, stars must be given precise coordinates in the night sky so that they can be found again.
A list of star names is actually quite boring, except when used as a tool to find specific stars, star clusters, and constellations. Star charts are very helpful in locating specific stars in the observable hemisphere.
Just like true love, the glory of the universe, including the stars in the sky, are not for sale. All are free to enjoy the sky, and give a gift to a love done by learning to recognize the stars in the night sky!
Rachel Schaus - Rachel Schaus, contributing writer,Minnesota-based freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles relating to classical education, ...
