Is Naming a Star Legitimate?

Yes, www.starregistry.com, the official website of International Star Registry (ISR), allows individuals to name a star. ISR maintains the only published listing of these named stars, which is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.  The registration in the Copyright Office provides copyright protection to ISR’s published listing which is a scientifically accurate, and valid listing of stars.  

ISR offers a unique service that allows people to feel a personal connection with the night sky. Purchasers receive a certificate with the coordinates of their named star, and they can look up and know there is a star they have personally named. 

Many people find this to be a meaningful and unique gift, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or memorials. While the names given are not scientifically recognized, they can still hold great personal significance and serve as a reminder of our connection to the cosmos. 

Furthermore, naming a star can be a gateway to learning more about astronomy. Many who have named stars have then been inspired to learn more about the universe and our place in it. Websites such as Wikipedia provide a vast amount of information about stars, constellations, and the larger celestial bodies, which can serve to fuel this fascination. 

In conclusion, while naming a star through www.starregistry.com isn’t recognized by the scientific community, it is a legitimate symbolic gesture that allows individuals to create a personal bond with the cosmos. It’s a unique, personal act that connects us, in a small way, to the vast universe we are a part of. 

Sources: 

• Starregistry.com 
• Wikipedia: Star Naming 
• International Astronomical Union