Thursday, May 24, 2012

Name A Star And Make Someone's Day

By Shelly Murdock


Gift giving is an activity some people dread because they never know what to buy. Coming up with the perfect gift for close friends and family members is a challenge year after year. One unique option that most people are unaware of is the chance to name a star to honor that special someone.

Naming stars is creative way to celebrate a marriage, welcome a new baby or honor graduates who are just starting out on their own. People of all ages will love the idea of having a heavenly body named in their honor. Regardless of occasion, this gift sets itself apart and stands out in the crowd.

Unlike others, this gift will never break, get lost or need replacement. Whenever the recipient looks to the night sky, they will remember the person who gave such a thoughtful gift. Money, gift cards and other items will not last forever and the person who receives them quickly forgets about them and the person who gave them.

Astronomers working with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Institute are responsible for cataloging the stars and assigning numbers to designate them. The Universal Star Catalog consists of a database of those numbers. When an individual registers a name, they receive the telescopic coordinates allowing them to find it in the sky. They also receive the number corresponding to the catalog, a photo and the dedication date. All pertinent information appears on the registry certificate. Some naming packages include extras, such as a certificate holder and a chart highlighting the precise location.

Individuals may use whatever naming convention they want. Some choose first names while others go with last names or even nicknames. The dedication date may be a birthday, an anniversary, or any date as specified by the individual completing the registration process.

The star's location is also optional. Some individuals choose stars visible from a specific location. Many birthday stars are chosen to correspond to the constellation representing the loved one's zodiac sign. Packages are available for two stars next to each other to represent a couple, siblings or mother and child.

Mechanisms are in place to ensure the database remains in place in perpetuity. An endowment pays for storing the catalog forever. Very few gifts last a lifetime but this one really does. Individuals looking for a unique gift can name a star quickly and easily in honor of a family member or cherished friend.




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