International Star Registry

International Star Registry is an organization founded in 1979 that allows people to submit names for newly discovered stars. Many people name stars for other people as birthday or Christmas presents. Once a star is named, it is entered into an international registry so that the name will perserved for years to come.

The ISR has advertised on radio.

Astronomers don't actually use the International Star Registry for astronomy. Stars are generally identified by telescope coordinates or by names set by the International Astronomical Union, who has officially come out against the ISR. The ISR has had violations issued against them for false advertising and has threatened to sue their critics. There is absolutely nothing preventing another organization from issuing a different name for the same star.

External Links

• ISR homepage
• Wired magazine article
• NEW YORK CITY DEPT. ISSUES VIOLATION TO STAR-NAMING COMPANY
• One Astronomer's Explanation of the International Star Registry
• Straight Dope article
• The International Astronomical Union's statement on star regstries