Sydney Observatory Selling Star Names?

[astroron (Ron)]

I think Mt Stromlo visitor center also sells Star Names
cheers

[erick (Eric)]

Think I'll name one for my sister who died at 3 days well before I was born. Why? 'cause I want to. Supports the Observatory (and tax deductible!)

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Steffen

I've got a couple of ocean-front blocks by the Mare Tranquillitatis for sale. First come first served basis…


Cheers
Steffen.

I've got a nice bridge for sale. From the top you can even see Sydney Observatory.

[JimmyH155]

What a load of rubbish this all is. I guess, though, that "Some mothers do have 'em"

[qld]

Originally Posted by JimmyH155

What a load of rubbish this all is. I guess, though, that "Some mothers do have 'em"

now that this issue has been put to bed why are all the true believers in climate change so quiet ,now that their hero Dr Dudd has dumped on them and his mythical CTS scheme

[Satchmo]

Originally Posted by erick

Think I'll name one for my sister who died at 3 days well before I was born. Why? 'cause I want to. Supports the Observatory (and tax deductible!)

Thats the spirit. Its charity dressed up in fun , and you get something for it. I felt annoyed the first time I heard about it , but I've mellowed somewhat. You can pay the government $1000 a year for some stupid number plate. Now, the cost of two Sydney Observatory staff to turn up to a place you nominate with a a couple of telescopes for two hours for $1000, I'm not sure . Again I guess it would have to be an organised charity event or something to make sense.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by qld

now that this issue has been put to bed why are all the true believers in climate change so quiet ,now that their hero Dr Dudd has dumped on them and his mythical CTS scheme

????? where did that come from ?????

[syousef]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread. Only found out about this a couple of days ago. Sydney Observatory is off my list of organisations to support in any way. Which is a real pity as they do other positive things. But I cannot support them while they engage in this.

Since previous posts have cast doubt about the IAU's position, I think it's pretty clear from the below that they consider this practice to be "charlatanry". I don't believe the fine print makes it okay. By selling stars Sydney Observatory legitimizes all the private "registries" that also sell them and funnel the funds away from science, and they promote ignorance. I can't believe that an organisation with such a wonderful rich history has been reduced to this.

http://www.iau.org/public/themes/buying_star_names/

"Q: The IAU pretends to be in charge of the sky - why don't you DO something about this??!

A: Sorry, much as we would like to, we are not under the illusion that the IAU can eradicate charlatanry: It has survived and thrived for countless centuries in many disguises - some far more dangerous than this particular example. All we can do is warn the public and try to prevent the abuse of our name and scientific reputation to mislead well-meaning customers.

Q: All this sounds negative and grouchy. I love the stars and a very special person and want to do something for him/her. What can I do ?

A: Lots! Go to your nearest planetarium or local amateur or professional observatory. They are staffed with people who feel just the same. They often have stores with books with wonderful astronomy pictures from the ground or from space, or fine astronomy magazines that all make great gifts. They can also direct you to the local astronomy club or society where enthusiasts will be happy to show you (and your friend!) the real stars through their own telescopes. Maybe you'll get infected and end up buying a telescope yourself?"

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by syousef

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread. Only found out about this a couple of days ago. Sydney Observatory is off my list of organisations to support in any way. Which is a real pity as they do other positive things. But I cannot support them while they engage in this.

Since previous posts have cast doubt about the IAU's position, I think it's pretty clear from the below that they consider this practice to be "charlatanry"

http://www.iau.org/public/themes/buying_star_names/

Its a complete fraud, though they admit it in the fine print. Disgraceful and unconscionable conduct IMHO ..

[Kunama]

Originally Posted by syousef

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread. Only found out about this a couple of days ago. Sydney Observatory is off my list of organisations to support in any way. Which is a real pity as they do other positive things. But I cannot support them while they engage in this.

Since previous posts have cast doubt about the IAU's position, I think it's pretty clear from the below that they consider this practice to be "charlatanry". I don't believe the fine print makes it okay. By selling stars Sydney Observatory legitimizes all the private "registries" that also sell them and funnel the funds away from science, and they promote ignorance. I can't believe that an organisation with such a wonderful rich history has been reduced to this.

I can't see what upsets you so much, seems to me they disclosed exactly what the program is.

[AussieTrooper (Ben)]

I don't really see a problem with this. The names being sold are for an officially recognised catalogue. There is a legitimate astronomical institution overseeing it. The funds are not kept by a profit motivated private individual.
This is no different to people sponsoring a tiger/orang utan/whatever overseas.
If people want to discover and name an astronomical object for themselves and are willing to put the time and money into it, it's not difficult to do.
But for those who want to sponsor astronomy the quick and easy way, this seems a good option.

[syousef]

Many problems with this.

Most people can't tell the difference between Sydney Observatory and an official sounding star registry, people selling land on The Moon or Mars. There are a lot more of these organisations who have been peddling their overpriced paper for decades longer than Sydney Observatory. They also, lower down in fine print, tell you the exact limits of how recognized the star you named is.

An official publicly owned observatory lending its name to this practice legitimizes it. And most of the money will go into the pockets of people who prey on ignorance, not towards science research. Hearing that their relative or relative bought a star for a romantic interest or an aggrieved parent, others will go find a better deal without so much as a clue where the money actually went.

It is at odds with what astronomers and science educators have been telling the public for decades. If a legitimate organisation says otherwise it discredits those astronomers.

While it's true that it is a "real" catalog, it is not a current catalog and will be used by no one for anything other than printing fancy certificates. You are buying a fancy piece of paper that due to the organisation selling it happens to be tax deductible.

It is lazy and doesn't educate. People know nothing new having named a star. Compare that to buying star charts, books, instruments like binoculars, scientific toys and models. Even if they are overpriced people come away learning something. Having named a star they will have learned the designation of a single star in a single catalog and perhaps, if they're lucky or pay extra to be shown, have some idea where the star is (but probably not). Instead "name-a-star" plays on ignorance.