Naming a star after a loved one is not recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and is merely a marketing concept. Most stars are given numerical designations, but individuals can still name stars for fun as long as it doesn’t infringe on copyright or patent status.
Thousands of years ago, our ancestors looked at the stars and named a few. Some of the names stuck and are still used as official designations by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Of course, with the advanced ability to view the world, we’d now be nearly out of names for stars, and most stars are given a numerical designation.
However, some companies offer a name a stellar service. You submit your loved one’s name and receive very official-looking papers saying the star’s name is now “George,” “Margie,” or “Sweet’ums.” What you really get is a lovely and important looking card for a relatively high price.
The IAU does not recognize these one-star services as official. So you’re not really naming a star, you’re simply benefiting a company that has come up with a great marketing concept. However, these companies claim that nobody owns the galaxy or the universe, so their suggested names are just as valid.
Every once in a while, some new scientific process might discover a new star. If so, the IAU could name a newly discovered star as its discoverer. However, most astronomers simply accept the number system for ease of classification.
Of course, if you want to name a star after someone and spend the money, you certainly can. You can also create official enough looking papers at home to name a star after anything you want. For that matter, you’re free to name anything you like by any name you choose, as long as you don’t use a name for a commercial purpose that infringes on someone else’s copyright or patent status.
It can be a fun activity to learn the names of stars officially recognized by the IAU, and then perhaps take turns with your children giving new names to the stars. This costs some time, but is generally free, monetary-wise.
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