Buy a Star - Really?

Wish upon on a star – doesn’t that phrase evoke warm memories from your childhood days? Perhaps it’s something you say to your own children as they gaze at the night sky, or if they are lucky enough to catch sight of a falling star.  Nowadays, you can go one better than wishing, if you buy a star and name it.

Giving the gift of a named star has been a popular idea for some years now and if you’re looking for a quirky gift it certainly fits the bill.  It can be given for pretty much any occasion too, making it versatile.  A star can be a gift for a newborn baby; an unusual anniversary gift; a present to a lover on Valentine’s Day or an item of remembrance.  But can you really buy a star?  Well, of course not.  The night sky doesn’t belong to anyone and nobody has the right to claim a part of it. Nevertheless, there are lots of companies offering a star for purchase and many people, both regular and famous, have bought them.

So what exactly are you getting when you “buy a star”?  Generally, you get a personalized certificate showing the name you have given the star, along with a message for the recipient, if you are giving it as a present.  You also get a map showing the position the star supposedly occupies in the sky.  Other additions may include a letter of authenticity, an astrological chart or an astronomy book.  Most will offer you an entry for your star in a book or website.  However, your star will not be officially recognized by the astronomy profession.

So, when you buy a star and name it, you’re not actually getting a star.  However, it’s still suitable as a gift, just so long as you don’t mind spending the money and you accept that it’s simply a novelty.  And it can still be a lovely gesture, if you buy a star for a loved one.