Do you want to name a star after a loved one? Sorry, we don’t do that, and we strongly advise you not to fall victim to such fraud. Recently, our team discovered that many star map companies are offering the service of naming the star in their customer’s name, and many people from all over the world are paying thousands of rupees for this. We have received inquiries for such services, and we completely reject them. Read the full article to find out why.
Do you truly believe it is so cheap and simple to name stars in the sky after your loved ones by spending 1000-2000 rupees? Companies who promise to register a star after your name are openly duping you; yes, they will give you all the certificates you desire and claim that you have an officially registered star after your name. However, your name will appear just on the company’s sales excel sheet and nowhere else.
People get caught up in their emotions and get trapped. You can authentically get the service of star map which shows stars above your special day and its authentic. It is possible for private companies to provide these services and you can absolutely trust it.This is how Sytara designs their customised star map.
We use this data and feed it into our proprietary software, which then uses the geographical coordinates and the date-time provided by you to chart out an accurate map of these objects.
This map is then beautified by adding graphics and plotting popular constellations to create a timeless piece of art that is ready to adorn your wall forever.
You can verify the authenticity of our star maps using any open source or free app available to check live sky data (Stellerium is our favourite app).
HOW ACCURATE IS IT?
The entire library of all celestial objects which includes approx 100 million stars, comets and asteroids has been logged by NASA Astronomical Data Center Star Catalog.This data comes from past and present NASA planetary missions, astronomical observations, and laboratory measurements.
However, buying a star or naming it after someone you love is nothing like this.
STAR MAP OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY
In fact, one of these companies was even issued a violation for deceptive advertising by the state of New YORK DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. The international astronomical union is the only official agency which names stars and other celestial objects. There are standardized rules for how objects get their names. None of these rules involve the exchange of cash. Sources ( starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov)
Many firms claimed that the certifications were approved by the IAU.
What is IAU ?
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded in 1919. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. Its Individual and Junior Members — structured in Divisions, Commissions, and Working Groups — are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the Ph.D. level and beyond, active in professional research and education in astronomy. The IAU has 12144 Individual and Junior Members in 104 countries worldwide. Of those countries 85 are National Members. In addition, the IAU collaborates with various scientific organizations all over the world.
The IAU has officially said that they are not involved in such activities. Similar rules on “buying” names apply to star clusters and galaxies as well. For bodies in the Solar System, special procedures for assigning official names apply (see the IAU theme “Naming Astronomical Objects”), but in no case are commercial transactions involved.
Here are some questions answered by an IAU related to this case.
Q: Who is legally responsible for naming objects in the sky?
A: For over a century, the IAU has been the internationally recognized authority for naming celestial bodies and surface features on them. And names are not sold, but assigned according to internationally accepted rules.
Q: What does this mean in practice?
A: Simply this: Names assigned by the IAU are recognized and used by scientists, space agencies, authors of astronomical literature, and other authorities worldwide. When observing stars and planets or launching space missions to them, or reporting about them in the news, everybody needs to know exactly which location a particular name refers to. The names assigned by the IAU are those that are used. These rules are firm where claims of property could theoretically be made, i.e. primarily in the solar system (where also treaties negotiated through the United Nations apply). Terrestrial makers of international law have so far had more urgent concerns than creating rules for “buying” totally inaccessible corners of infinite space, so there is no written text that can be twisted and interpreted – just a plain and practical fact.
Q: But if I want to, can I buy the name of a star anyway?
A: Sure, there are people who will be more than happy to take your money….
For more information, visit their official website at www.iau.org.
Save yourself from such fraudulent companies.
Author :- Shikha Gupta
