Aurora - I thought you could at least see the "star" in a scope but just using coordinates? That is so sad. My friend's children got him a star (he's an astronomer and they thought it would be a nice birthday present) and it sounded like one of the hardest things in his life he ever had to tell someone (me) about the "star". He was so disapointed, I could'nt ask him anything about it (if it was visible,etc).

Speaking of named objects "out there", I have the honor (among a dozen or so first names) of having a crater on the Moon with my first (nick name) "Billy" and it's easily visible in any modest scope. The best thing about it is that I didn't spend a cent! I feel so bad for all those people out there who got duped with the star registry. I wonder how many out there bought land on the Moon or Mars? Thanks for the reply, Mr Q

You know, I think it would actually be easier to tell people they got conned if they spent more money. It's not enough to really make people angry at the price it is. It just kind of makes them sad. If it cost $250 or $500, that might be enough to really start angering people, but I think it would also make a lot less for the companies, since fewer people would be able to afford them. I'm not even sure if there is a bottom amount for how much each individual has to be defrauded for it to legally count. I'm also not sure if anyone (other than that greatest of lawyers, Jack McCoy!) could really make a legal case for fraud on this, anyway.

__________________
Gillian

"Now everyone was giving her that kind of look UFOlogists get when they suddenly say, 'Hey, if you shade your eyes you can see it is just a flock of geese after all.'"

"You can't erase icing."

"I can't believe it doesn't work! I found it on the internet, man!"

Just to complete the series...

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/pr/2008/pr080220.gif

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/pr/2008/pr080221.gif

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/pr/2008/pr080222.gif

As long as Star Registry (or any similar enterprise) is upfront about explaining that they aren't really naming a star or selling you property on the moon or Mars, that all you are buying is a fancy certificate (which you could make on your PC, but it's not "the same"), I have no problem with them making a buck or six.

However, when that enterprise fails to be upfront about this, or - worse - pretends that what thay are doing has any sort of scientific or legal standing, then I do have a problem. They are scamming the gullible.

And if that is way worse than telling that gullible person that Polaris hasn't been renamed to honor late Gramma Ruth. Telling them is upsetting, but it doesn't take their money.

__________________
Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by ignorance or stupidity.
Isaac Asimov

I used to buy novelty stars like candy as 'dozen-roses-alternative' gifts.
(This was before any contribution-worthy Adopt-A-Star programs
existed).
The International Star Registry even offered me their Cluster Club Visa.

BTW, I'm still stuck with a star in Ursa Minor's bowl from a breakup before the certificate arrived.
A shame, being as it's in such prime celestial real estate.
Years later, I'm still looking for another qualifying recipient hottie with the initials 'TLS'.
Until then, the 11th magnitude sun just goes by 'Tough Luck, Saber'.


Stephen Saber
http://www.astronomyblogs.com/member/saberscorpx