Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt like you wanted to own a piece of it? Well, now you can! Purchasing your own star has become a popular way to mark a special occasion or give a unique gift. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adopt a star, including the legalities, pricing, and pros and cons of owning a star.
The first thing to consider when purchasing your own star is the legality of the purchase. There are many companies online that claim to sell stars, but only a few are authorized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The IAU is the only organization that can officially name celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and asteroids. Therefore, any supposed star purchased from an unauthorized company will have no official recognition or status.
Once you have found a reputable company, you will need to choose your star. Most companies offer packages with different options, such as the star’s name, constellation, and magnitude. The magnitude refers to the star’s brightness, with lower numbers being brighter. Keep in mind that the brighter the star, the higher the cost.
The cost of purchasing a star can vary greatly depending on the company and package you choose. On average, the cost ranges from $50 to $500. Some companies offer additional services like a certificate of ownership and a star chart showing the located position of your star. These services usually come at an additional cost, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing.
One thing to note is that owning a star does not mean that you own the physical star itself. The only thing that you are purchasing is the right to name the star and have it officially recognized by the IAU. Therefore, while owning a star can be a unique and sentimental gift, it is purely symbolic.
There are pros and cons to owning a star. On the positive side, owning a star is a one-of-a-kind gift that shows someone how much you care. It can also be a great reminder of a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary. Additionally, owning a star is a great conversation piece and can be a source of inspiration when looking up at the night sky.
On the negative side, owning a star can be seen as frivolous spending, especially considering that it is purely symbolic. Additionally, owning a star does not guarantee that you will be able to see it with the naked eye. Therefore, the sentimentality of owning a star may not be fully realized, especially if the star is located in a different hemisphere.
Conclusion: Owning a star is a unique and sentimental gift that can mark a special occasion or be a source of inspiration. It is important, however, to do your research and choose a reputable company that is authorized by the International Astronomical Union. Additionally, be aware of the cost and the fact that owning a star is purely symbolic. With these things in mind, purchasing your own star can be a wonderful investment in the celestial world.
