Can you really name the star after someone?

Thousands of years ago, our ancestors looked into the stars and named some of them. Some names are stuck and are still used as the official designation of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Of course, with an advanced ability to view the world, we would now almost get the names for the stars and most of the stars get the number sign.

However, some companies offer the name of the Star Services. One sends in the name of a loved one and returns very officially looking documents that say the name of the star is now "George", "Margie" or "Sweet'ums". What you really get is a beautiful and important looking paper at a relatively high price.

Iau does not recognize starry services as official. So you don't really say a star-you benefit from a company that came up with a great marketing concept. However, these companies claim that no one will own a galaxy or the universe, so their proposed names are equally valid.

y and again, some new scientific process coulddiscover a new star. In this case, IAU could name the star that is newly discovered after its discoverer. However, most astronomers simply agree with the number system for simplicity in the classification.

Of course, if you want to name the star and spend money after someone, you can certainly. You can also create quite officially looking documents at home to give the star the name of everything you would like. As for that, you can name anything you want any name you choose and, provided you don't use a name for commercial purposes that violate someone else's copyright or the status of a patent.

It can be an entertaining activity to learn the names of stars officially recognized IAU, and then maybe alternate with something children who give the stars new names. It costs a little time, but is generally free, money.