You folks know all about those name a star websites and radio advertisements, right? The ones where you pay bux deluxe and they send you some literature and charts and put your name (or giftee's name) on 'em and voila! You have a star named after you!
Well, of course, this is for entertainment purposes and has no real meaning aside from getting your name in a book in the Library of Congress or some other such prestigious sounding establishment. Some companies might put your name on a cd and blast it into orbit, thereby, somehow, making it more real.. But still..
So, what about a do-it-yourself version? Something where YOU take a couple of hours to come up with all the materials and designs and stuff.
I envision a typical kit consisting of something like this:
1- Find a star and edit Stellarium's database to display the name.
2- Put together Stellarium onto a DVD. (Include Orbiter and Celestia if the recipient is a real astro buff)
3- Use PrintShop or Picture It or one of those official-looking award makers and make a nice certificate. Frame it.
4- Print up something about the constellation your newly named star resides in, some starlore, stories, mythology, that sort of thing.
5- Print a spec sheet with all the numbers Stellarium displays in the upper lefthand corner. Make it look scientific and complex and official.
6- Make a few star charts, print them on card stock
7- Make a little laminated reference card on how to quickly start Stellarium and navigate clearly and concisely to the newly named star. This must be a simple 1-2-3 operation.
8- Include a basic astronomy guide. A book or something.
9- Get a nice folder with gold edges to put everything in, or a book giftbox of a sort.
10- Include some of those kid's silver award star stickers, like the "good job on your homework" thing.
You can do this deluxe kit for about 20-25 bucks, whereas to have it done on the internet would cost you over 200. And it wouldn't be as personalized as one that is hand made by you yourself. The perfect gift for someone that would know how to appreciate it!
What do you think? What should be eliminated or added? Or done differently?
Well, of course, this is for entertainment purposes and has no real meaning aside from getting your name in a book in the Library of Congress or some other such prestigious sounding establishment. Some companies might put your name on a cd and blast it into orbit, thereby, somehow, making it more real.. But still..
So, what about a do-it-yourself version? Something where YOU take a couple of hours to come up with all the materials and designs and stuff.
I envision a typical kit consisting of something like this:
1- Find a star and edit Stellarium's database to display the name.
2- Put together Stellarium onto a DVD. (Include Orbiter and Celestia if the recipient is a real astro buff)
3- Use PrintShop or Picture It or one of those official-looking award makers and make a nice certificate. Frame it.
4- Print up something about the constellation your newly named star resides in, some starlore, stories, mythology, that sort of thing.
5- Print a spec sheet with all the numbers Stellarium displays in the upper lefthand corner. Make it look scientific and complex and official.
6- Make a few star charts, print them on card stock
7- Make a little laminated reference card on how to quickly start Stellarium and navigate clearly and concisely to the newly named star. This must be a simple 1-2-3 operation.
8- Include a basic astronomy guide. A book or something.
9- Get a nice folder with gold edges to put everything in, or a book giftbox of a sort.
10- Include some of those kid's silver award star stickers, like the "good job on your homework" thing.
You can do this deluxe kit for about 20-25 bucks, whereas to have it done on the internet would cost you over 200. And it wouldn't be as personalized as one that is hand made by you yourself. The perfect gift for someone that would know how to appreciate it!
What do you think? What should be eliminated or added? Or done differently?
hailprobe
