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Name A Star - Frequently Asked Questions

What are constellations?
Astronomers divided the sky into areas, as perceived from the earth, so as to create a consistent spherical map, rather like the markings on a football. In this way, 88 areas or constellations were formed.

Star names - how do they arise?
Only a handful of stars bear names, arising from Arabic, Greek and Roman mythology. The vast majority of stars are referred to only by their astronomical co-ordinates or catalogue numbers - they are unnamed and there are millions and millions of them.

Star Catalogues
Over the centuries, astronomers have devised various different star catalogues/listings. They refer to stars by numbers or co-ordinates. The Universal Star Listing is a register that refers to stars by name - your chosen name - and is thus personal rather than scientific.

Will my star name be officially recognised?
Naming a star is a symbolic rather than scientific gift. Our register would never be used by the scientific community although it is a perfectly valid register. Scientists refer to stars only by their astronomical co-ordinates or catalogue number. Referring to and listing stars by name - the name you choose - we have created a symbolic and personal rather than astronomically significant listing.

Will I be able to see the star that I have named?
Only a handful of stars are visible to the naked eye. Our register only refers to stars that are outside naked eye visibility. Therefore, to view the star you will need a pair of binoculars or a telescope. In most cases, a telescope is required.

Will I be able to see the constellation?
You should be able to spot the constellation with the naked eye. Clearly, some constellations are easier to spot than others. How often and for how long each year the constellation is visible, will depend upon 1). the constellation's location in the universe and 2). from where in the world you are star-gazing.

Are stars named more than once in your register?
A star is only named once in our register. The name that you have chosen will be published in our register and continue to be published in all future re-prints.

Can the star I've named be named in another company's register?
Noone (or everyone) owns the stars - choose your viewpoint. There are over a hundred different scientific registers that catalogue stars. Each refers to stars independently. A non-scientific register of star names is no different. We produce our symbolic register independently and do not co-ordinate or interact with another company's register. Even though there are millions of stars, a star in our register could be referred to by another name in another company's register.

Can I buy a star?
This is not really an FAQ, but we include this question for completeness! Clearly, you cannot buy a star. The stars belong to all of us or none of us, whichever you prefer, and they are not for sale. Naming a star is a symbolic gift idea which obviously does not involve any legal title / ownership.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS  

Delivery

We endeavor to despatch all goods within 14 days of receipt of order. Unframed gift sets are sent 1st Class Royal Mail. All framed and deluxe gift sets are sent via a private courier and require a signature on delivery. All gift sets ordered with express delivery require a signature on delivery. Express orders will be delivered within 5 FULL working days. Orders received after 1pm will be considered as have been received the following working day.

General Terms and Conditions

·         All goods are delivered within our conditions above. We cannot hold packages back for specific dates in the future.

·         All credit card transactions are processed through USL’s secure server. All Orders are fulfilled by USL and any queries regarding a ‘name a star’ order should be made directly with them.

·         Upon placing an order you understand that ‘Name a star’ is a symbolic rather than scientific gift set.

·         Special arrangements for personal collection may be made, but must be specifically agreed by us.

·         We accept no liability for orders being lost in the post or for postal strikes. In the unlikely event of loss, we will re-process and re-send your order as quickly as possible.

·         We reserve the right to refuse 'Express' orders if we feel we are unable to accommodate your request. The additional fee will, of course, be refunded.

·         Damage rarely occurs as orders are carefully inspected and packed. If, however, your order does arrive in a damaged condition, please contact us immediately.

·         Delivery conditions apply upon date of order received.

We must receive all claims within 30 days of receipt of goods.