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For such trifles I yearn, I yearn. The Onion
It’s a planetarium… It’s a bar… It’s a planetarium bar!
I’ve posted about this place before, but I really wish I could find some higher-res images of Tokyo’s aptly-named Planetarium Bar.
For $20 more, I’ll show up at your house and deliver a guest lecture through your bathroom door. Homestar Aqua: Planetarium for Bath
I’ve got a new attitude. Via: kiyo, via: Berkley Illustration
IPS Statement on the Ancient Age of the Earth and Universe
Via the National Center for Science Education: The International Planetarium Society recently issued a statement on the ancient age of the earth and universe, noting that “Many independent lines of scientific evidence show that the Earth and Universe are billions of years old. Current measurements yield an age of about 4.6 billion years for the Earth and about 14 billion years for the Universe.” The statement adds, “These measurements of age are accepted by nearly all astronomers, including both research astronomers and planetarium educators. These astronomers come from nations and cultures around the world and from a very wide spectrum of religious beliefs.” The statement also explained the need for the society to take a stand: “Planetariums are based on science and education and as such reflect the ideals and principles of these disciplines. Planetarium educators seek to present both scientific results and an understanding of how these discoveries are made.” The International Planetarium Society describes itself as “the global association of planetarium professionals. Its nearly 700 members come from 35 countries around the world. They represent schools, colleges and universities, museums, and public facilities of all sizes including both fixed and portable planetariums.” Its primary goal is “to encourage the sharing of ideas among its members through conferences, publications, and networking.”
The Straight Dope on Star Registries
When discussing my job at the planetarium with strangers, one topic that always seems to pop up is “naming a star.” Typically, the person either recalls having a star bought for them in the past, or is looking for a unique gift idea for a loved one.
Star registries have been around for ages, and are almost universally regarded as scams by legitimate astronomers and planetarians. There are numerous name-a-star registries out there, and they’re only as “official” as the credentials they make up for themselves. More often than not, your $20-$200 simply buys you the privilege of having random internet entrepreneur #3,904,212 enter your star name and billing information into a spreadsheet.
You might get a vanity certificate or plaque as part of the deal, and if that’s worth the cost to you, then no one’s stopping your from taking the plunge. In the grand scheme of things, star registries aren’t the worst scam out there. They’re not promising you twenty CDs for a penny, rust-proofing your car, or funneling your credit card numbers to Nigerian fake-bankers (hopefully). Just keep in mind that (A) you’ll probably never be able to see “your” star, since these places typically assign people stars that are too faint to be seen with the naked eye, and that (B) the star designation itself is about as official as a “World’s Greatest Grandpa” t-shirt.
This article at The Straight Dope was originally written in 1988, and it’s still a very accurate and informational take on star registries.
If you’re looking for astronomy-themed gift ideas, here are some better options…
A subscription to an astronomy magazine, such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy
Membership in a local astronomy club
A trip or donation to a local planetarium or observatory
A planisphere or set of star charts
And here’s one last idea… Using a site like this, you can find your current “birthday star.” Using your birthdate, it will locate a visible star that emitted the light we see tonight on or near the date of your birth. It’s a really cool idea, and it’s free. Plus, as you get older, you can keep using the calculator to find new birthday stars that are further and further out in space.
If you’ve ever bought or received a star from a star registry, don’t get too depressed. Perhaps it got you or someone else excited about astronomy for the first time, which is always a good thing. Just know that there are plenty of gift-giving alternatives out there that provide greater value, along with organizations more deserving of your hard earned dollars.
Happy stargazing!
Profile: Astronomy geek Rickey Ainsworth
Thanks to Terri Finch Hamilton from the Grand Rapids Press for such a nice Sunday Profile.
