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Star naming

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:46 am
by Lisa(SO)
Elayne and I are going to be buying a star in memory of our little angel Molly. I thought this would be a great way for her to stay "alive" so to speak and that could see her often. My problem is this, I do not know that much about the different constellations and their meanings. I want to pick a star within a constellation that has meaning that would carry her name and spirit on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:13 am
by DonnaT
I'll ask someone knowledgable of the "stars", her opinion/recommendation, and get back to you.

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:27 am
by Rikki
We did that same thing, Lisa. wonderful thing to do.
Rikki

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:44 am
by Absaroka
If you're using the international star registry be aware that there isn't anything official about this and the only people who use this to reference star names is that organization. It's mostly marketing and not much else.

Absaroka

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:04 pm
by DonnaT
From an authority:
SavoyTruffle wrote:Hey Donna,

Well, I would advice caution. There has been no small amount of scandal regarding some of these companies--basically making stars up, faking charts, and so on.

In addition, the whole star-naming thing is a scam in that only the International Astronomical Union has the authority to name stars. In that sense these star-naming companies are selling Brooklyn Bridges, and sometimes they've sold the same star or stars to different people. I know they say they put it in a registry in the library of congress, but no one recognizes their authority.

On the other hand, if it will give them some comfort, I could suggest some stars. It's just that I hate to see these companies get money--usually from people who mean well or are remembering a dear one, and so are very vulnerable. As you can maybe tell from some of my posts, I don't have much patience for emotional vultures of any sort.

OK, I'll end my sermon. Hope that was helpful.

M

Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:41 pm
by Lisa(SO)
I still want to do it. Does anyone know a reputable company along with a great constellation? Thanks Donna for asking your friend.

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:16 pm
by Lydia
Hi Lisa,

Permit me to put forth an alternate notion to your star-naming idea.

How about a scientific name of a plant - a flower? Example is something we have here, i.e., the Selby Botanical Gardens, which contains a research center on orchids and bromeliads, and hibiscus. They are always naming new species and varieties, and they literally run out of names to use. For a modest donation, they will name a new hybrid variety of orchid or hibiscus after your loved one. This name is accompanied by a detailed description, in Latin, that is published in a recognized botanical journal. This name and description become permanently enshrined in the botanical literature. In this case, the Gardens gives you not only a copy of the descriptions, but a color photograph of the flower.

Many botanical institutions where research is done provide this service. There may be something like this in Vermont. Burlington is a site of much botanical work. You might try the University of Vermont. Even the New York Botanical Gardens probably does this. If you are interested, PM me, and I’ll look further for you.

Hugs,

Lydia

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:02 am
by Lisa(SO)
Lydia that is a wonderful idea!! I have sent you a PM. Now ladies any input on flowers?

Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:53 am
by Curly(SO)
Lydia's flower idea is wonderful! Please let us know if you go ahead with this, Lisa, and post a pic of the flower.

Love,
Curly (--)