EPISODE · Feb 19, 2026 · 12 MIN
Lab Notes: Why buying a star name is nonsense
from The Science Show - Separate stories podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation
A quick online search reveals multiple paid services for naming stars as commemorative gifts. You'll be provided with a certificate and a map for finding your star in the sky. But these names are not official and are not used by astronomers — or anyone else, for that matter. So what's going on, and how do stars really get their names? Featuring: Laura Driessen, radio astronomer at the University of Sydney You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: [email protected] episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.
What this episode covers
A quick online search reveals multiple paid services for naming stars as commemorative gifts. You'll be provided with a certificate and a map for finding your star in the sky. But these names are not official and are not used by astronomers — or anyone else, for that matter. So what's going on, and how do stars really get their names? Featuring: Laura Driessen, radio astronomer at the University of Sydney You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: [email protected] This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.
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Lab Notes: Why buying a star name is nonsense
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