How to Name a Star in Australia

If you want to give a special gift to someone in Australia, you can name a star for them. You can actually select a star from a number of constellations in the sky and bestow a name of your choosing on that star. You can even take care of naming the star and registering your name on the web. Naming a star in Australia is easy to do, but deciding on the star you want might be the hard part.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the website for the Australia--New Zealand International Star Registry (see Resources). This website handles all star naming for all of New Zealand and Australia.

2. Make a constellation choice. You can choose to name a star from one of the 12 zodiac constellations. You also can name stars in constellations in the Southern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere.

3. Pick a date for the name registration. It is customary for the date to be in the future.

4. Select a name for the star. Only 35 characters are allowed for the name, with spaces counting as characters. You can use letters, numbers and symbols in the name.

5. Submit your order to the Australia--New Zealand International Star Registry, either on its website, by fax to [phone], or by mail. To mail, send your completed form and payment to the address on the form, which is ISR, P.O. BOX 7681, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026. Payment is accepted via cheque, money order or credit card. Star name registration in 2009 starts at $198 AUD.

Tips & Warnings

• If faxing from the U.S., remember to first dial 011 (+61) before entering the fax number.

References

• How to Name a Star

Resources

• Australia--New Zealand International Star Registry