BUY A STAR
In several stores in local malls, and via radio commercials, the
public is told that they can actually buy stars in the sky. Many students
even show up at the Planetarium, with a certificate showing that a star in
the heavens now has their name.
Nothing can be farther from the truth!
Even though several companies may take your money, and send you a
certificate saying that a star has your name, NO COMPANY can name a star.
Please note, that NO professional Astronomers or Planetariums support
"star selling companies", and the consumer should be aware that stars
and
other Astronomical objects CANNOT BE SOLD.
Only the International Astronomical Union (IAU) can name stars. They are the LEGAL governing body of star naming and astronomical policy.
As a matter of record, the New York City Department of Consumer
Affairs issued a violation against one such company for "engaging in
deceptive trade practices". You can read about it below.
The following links are provided to educate the public on this, so called, star selling business.
Buy a Star Link - This one tells it all!
International Astronomical Union position on star naming
Violation issued by New York City Dept. of Consumer Affairs
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/mystery_monday_030915.html
Star Naming Company Sues another Star naming Company
Star Naming Article in Schenectady Gazette