Naming Stars for Valentine's Day: A Gift That's Not Official

Companies sell star names as gifts for Valentine's Day. They give you a certificate, but scientists do not use these names. The official names of stars are different.
By Newsroom | Gifts, Science |

This report investigates the common practice of naming stars as Valentine's Day gifts, a service often promoted for around USD 40. While commercial entities offer personalized star certificates, official astronomical bodies do not recognize these names, raising questions about the value and validity of such gestures. The core of this examination lies in the discrepancy between consumer offerings and the established scientific protocols for identifying celestial objects.

The Allure of Naming a Star

Each year, as Valentine's Day approaches, services emerge offering to name a star in honor of a loved one. These companies, like Online Star Register and Star-Registration.com, present this as a unique and meaningful gift.

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  • Advertisements highlight a "Valentine's Special" where a star can be named for a Valentine.

  • These packages typically include a personalized certificate and a star map.

  • Some offers may also include additional items, such as a free star necklace.

  • Companies often boast high customer satisfaction and user-friendly apps to locate the named star.

Read More: New Gift Ideas for Couples This Valentine's Day

These commercial ventures present a seemingly straightforward and sentimental way to mark a special occasion.

Official Designation: A Different System

Astronomers, however, operate under a rigorous system for identifying and cataloging stars, a process that does not involve public or commercial naming.

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  • New star names are rare in official astronomical catalogs.

  • The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the recognized authority for astronomical nomenclature.

  • Official star names are generally historical and cultural, reflecting significant discoveries or figures.

  • For instance, the Sydney Radio Star Catalogue is mentioned as a place where stars are given designations.

  • Stars primarily have designations, not proper names, in scientific contexts.

This scientific framework ensures clarity and consistency within the global astronomical community, prioritizing established nomenclature over commercial endeavors.

Commercialization vs. Scientific Authenticity

The primary contention lies in whether a privately purchased star name holds any astronomical significance.

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The Price of a Star

  • Companies like Online Star Register detail pricing structures, with a "Super Star Gift" being more expensive.

  • The cost of naming a star is a significant factor for consumers.

  • Offers for Valentine's Day often present a specific price point, such as USD 40.

What the Certificate Means

  • Purchasers receive a certificate confirming the name they have assigned to a star.

  • Star-Registration.com states that all offers include a certificate and star map.

  • The satisfaction guarantee offered by some vendors aims to assure customers they can find their named star.

  • However, the crucial point remains that these names are not recognized by the scientific community.

The core of the issue is the disconnect: commercial entities offer star naming rights, but these names lack official scientific standing.

Expert Perspective on Star Nomenclature

Astronomers clarify that the public naming of stars for commercial purposes is not part of the official scientific process.

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"New star names are rare… You can’t officially name a star after your Valentine. That star only has designations, no proper name. Since official star naming is focused on historical and cultural names, it is rare for new star names to emerge." (Summary from Article 1 & 2)

This statement underscores that while a star might be assigned a name by a commercial registry, it does not gain an official designation recognized by astronomers. The nomenclature used by scientists relies on established catalogs and historical precedent.

Conclusion: A Sentimental Gesture, Not a Scientific Act

The practice of naming stars for Valentine's Day presents a commercial opportunity that appeals to the sentimentality of gift-giving. Companies offer personalized certificates and maps for a fee, marketing this as a unique way to honor a loved one. However, from an astronomical perspective, these names hold no official weight. The scientific community adheres to a distinct system of cataloging and naming celestial bodies, one that is rigorous and does not accommodate commercial naming schemes. Therefore, while the gesture may hold personal meaning for the giver and receiver, it does not contribute to or alter the scientific identity of any star.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I really name a star for Valentine's Day?
Yes, companies let you pick a name for a star and give you a paper. But this name is only for the company's list.
Q: Do scientists use these names?
No, scientists do not use the names you buy. They use official names that are already there or are given through special scientific work.
Q: Why is this not official?
The group that names stars for science, the IAU, does not accept these commercial names. They have their own way of naming and listing stars.
Q: Is it a bad gift?
It can be a nice gift if the person likes the idea. But it is important to know it is a sentimental gift, not a scientific one.