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Author
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Topic: Name an astronomical object?
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namegame
New Member Posts:
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posted 09-22-2005 03:17 PM
   
I am part of a team that recently discovered an astronomical object. I am looking into the possibility of auctioning the naming rights, with all proceeds going to Red Cross Hurricane Relief.How many wealthy space buffs are out there, who might be willing to part with a significant chunk of money for an unprecedented and absolutely official opportunity like this? How much money could I reasonably expect to generate for the Red Cross? I'm aware of all those phoney "star naming" companies --- this has nothing to do with that fraudulent joke (nobody will ever know about all the names they sell). But what I'm describing would be totally official and legit: the names would be used by everyone everywhere, and in all future astronomy and history textbooks. However, there are naming constraints (they must be approved), which prevents inappropriate or obnoxious names. I'm not certain this could work, but if I had a rough idea of how much money this could generate for our suffering brothers and sisters in the Gulf area, it would help me decide whether or not to really pursue this. Thanks in advance for all sincere opinions and advice. |
collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-22-2005 03:26 PM
Well, I have to tell you, this is an interesting idea. I can't really say however how much something like this would take in, because frankly I've never seen something like this before.A couple of things that come to mind, however to make sure this runs smoothly and fairly. First, I would approach the IAU to make sure such this idea is okay with them. Second, there has to be a gurantee that if, for any reason, the name selected is not approved by the IAU that the winning bidder will get all of the chances that they need to get an approved name. Third, it must be made clear to the winning bidder that it is a long process, often taking several years, to have the IAU officially name an object. Last, make up a nice certificate for the winning bidder as "proof" for them when they tell their friends. :-) ------------------
Brian 385th Bombardment Group
B-17 Bomber "War Horse"
http://warhorse.omegappg.com |
namegame
New Member Posts:
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posted 09-22-2005 03:35 PM
Yes, I share your thoughts.
I don't know how the IAU would feel
about this -- certainly unfavorably if it were for personal financial gain. But if it 100% charitable, and the dollar amount is sufficiently "staggering", I wonder if an interesting new precedent could be set: one that strives to match the unprecedented suffering going on in the Gulf area right now. Where else can I go to even get a decent estimate for something like this? Like, I'm hoping well-known and insanely wealthy space buffs (e.g. Microsoft's Paul Allen, or anyone who was willing to pay the Russians for a ride in space) might take the bait. |
LT Scott Schneeweis
unregistered
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posted 09-22-2005 03:42 PM
The "value" of the name would also be influenced by the nature of what is being named..if we are talking about a 20th magnitude star that isnt going to be seen by anything smaller then a 1 meter Richey Chretian, value is likely to be low; on the other hand if its the preverbial 10th planet (not Sedna!) think you would have substanial intrest from people with deep pockets.. hopefully its not an earth crossing asteroid/comet with a high likelyhood of inducing a mass extinction event..that would also get a lot of attention in the text books but doubt anybody would want to have their name associated the object! :-)------------------
Scott Schneeweis URL: URL http://www.spaceaholic.com/apollo_artifacts.htm
(Apollo Artifacts)
URL http://www.spaceaholic.com/us_artifacts.htm
(Other US Program Artifacts) |
collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-22-2005 04:10 PM
I am assuming that the object discovered is an asteroid or comet.In my opinion, I don't think anyone with deep pockets will be that interested. If they really wanted to name an astronomical object, they would be better off financing a project of their own. If they wanted to give money to the Red Cross, they would be better off writing a check straight to them. This is something, I feel, will be more interesting to astronomy buffs with backyard observatories always wanting to make that discovery and name something. Again, I don't want to give a monetary value to this thing and be way off. ------------------
Brian 385th Bombardment Group
B-17 Bomber "War Horse"
http://warhorse.omegappg.com | |
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