Christmas in Space

Name A Star Live makes you part of real space missions by launching your star name into the final frontier. As humans like you move into space they bring along their customs and traditions — including Christmas.

Space station Christmas tree
A Christmas Tree on the International Space Station. Photo Credit: Chris Hadfield/Canadian Space Agency

Christmas Day is a NASA holiday, so the astronauts on the International Space Station get to take the day off. The space station astronauts have sent many holiday greetings to Earth. But the most famous Christmas message sent by astronauts to Earthlings was the Apollo 8 Christmas Eve transmission from astronauts in lunar orbit.

Earthrise photo
The famous ‘Earthrise’ photo from Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon. The crew entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts held a live broadcast, showing pictures of the Earth and moon as seen from their spacecraft.
Image Credit: NASA

Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders became the first humans to orbit the Moon on Christmas Eve 1968. They were also the first astronauts to spend Christmas in space.

To mark the occasion, they sent Christmas greetings and live images back to their home planet and read from the Book of Genesis. Borman closed the message with the words “good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you — all of you on the good Earth.”

It is estimated that as many as one billion people watched the historic broadcast or listened on the radio.

Apollo 8 launched from Earth on Dec. 21 and entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. The Apollo 8 crewmembers ended their history-making journey when they splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 27. Eight more Apollo missions would visit the Moon, with six of them landing on its surface.

While astronauts have celebrated Christmas in space in the 1960s, in a sense, Christmas has been in space for over 100,000 years. We’re talking about the spectacular “Christmas Tree cluster”!

Christmas Tree Cluster
The Christmas Tree Cluster Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/P.S. Teixeira (Center for Astrophysics)

The Christmas Tree Cluster (a.k.a. “NGC 2264”) is located in the constellation Monoceros, near the Name A Star Live constellations Orion and Gemini. Newborn stars, hidden behind thick dust, are revealed in this image of a section of the Christmas Tree Cluster from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope. Infant stars appear as pink and red specks toward the center and appear to have formed in regularly spaced intervals along linear structures in a configuration that resembles the spokes of a wheel or the pattern of a snowflake. Hence, astronomers have nicknamed this the “Snowflake Cluster.”

Skylab 4 Christmas tree
The Skylab 4 crew created this Christmas tree out of cans in December 1973. Skylab 4 was America’s first space station.

Star-forming clouds like this one are dynamic and evolving structures. Since the stars trace the straight line pattern of spokes of a wheel, scientists believe that these are newborn stars, or “protostars.” At a mere 100,000 years old, these infant structures have yet to “crawl” away from their location of birth. Over time, the natural drifting motions of each star will break this order, and the snowflake design will be no more.

Whether celebrated on, or off, the planet, Christmas is a beautiful, joyous time of the year! Name a star for a friend or family member this Christmas and make them part of our real space missions!

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Buy One, Get One!

Buy NowName A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

NGC 290We offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.

When you take advantage of our Buy One, Get One sale you:

How to Make Your Buy One Get One Purchase:

1. Visit our site and add any Gift Set to your cart.
2. Enter your special offer code at checkout.
3. Complete your purchase.
4. Name both of your stars and gift them to friends & family!

Good through Sunday, December 10, 2017.

Star Bear Gift Set
The Star Bear Gift Set starts at $39.95. Click to see larger image

Featured Gift Set

A teddy bear always makes for a lovely Christmas gift. But naming a star really makes that teddy bear special! Let our lovable Star Bear deliver your holiday gift and make a memory that lasts a lifetime. It’s a great name-a-star gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, graduation or any special occasion.

The Name A Star Live Star Bear Gift Set includes:

  • A loveable, cuddly 6″ bear holding a generic parchment certificate, and adorned with a gold ribbon and star.
  • A 5×7″ Printed Star Certificate displaying the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A letter-size Digital Star Certificate that you can download, print and give right away while your Star Bear and Printed Star Certificate are on the way in the mail.

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The Star of Bethlehem

The MagiFor centuries astronomers have speculated about the famous Star of Bethlehem, which the three Magi (the three wise men/the three kings) followed to the place of Christ’s birth.  Of course, the star may defy scientific explanation altogether, and be viewed as a miracle.  Nevertheless, various astronomical theories have been proposed, including that the star may have been a comet, or a supernova (an exploding star), or a “planetary conjunction” (a gathering of planets in one part of the sky).  In this column, we’ll examine two of today’s most popular theories, both of which hold that the planet Jupiter played a key role.

Continue reading “The Star of Bethlehem”

Name A Star and Save 20%!

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Save 20% when you name a star today and tomorrow with Name A Star Live! Good Nov. 29 and 30, 2017.

Name A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

The Butterfly NebulaWe offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.

 

Deluxe Gift Set
The Deluxe Gift Set starts at $54.95. Click to see larger image

Featured Gift Set

One of our most popular Keepsake Gifts is the Deluxe Gift Set, which starts at $54.95. Printed and shipped to you or your gift recipient, it includes everything you’ll need to make the stars come alive. It’s a great name-a-star gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, graduation or any special occasion.

The Deluxe Gift Set includes:

  • A letter-size Star Certificate in display folder showing the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A Star Chart showing the location of your star within its constellation (area of the night sky, such as Aries or Taurus). You get to choose the constellation for your star.
  • Our award-winning Virtual Planetarium astronomy software that brings astronomy to life with seven great programs in one. Explore the Universe with interactive games, breathtaking NASA imagery, and the latest updates from exciting space missions. Plus see a display of which constellations and planets are visible from your home each night. Suitable for all ages.
  • A Digital Launch Certificate provided to you each time we launch your star name into space!
Launch Certificate
You get a Digital Launch Certificate each time we launch your star name into space — with Name A Star Live, you’re made part of real space missions!

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Cyber Monday Sale

Buy NowIt’s Cyber Monday, which means automatic, 30% savings at Name A Star Live! Take 30% off the price of any Name A Star Live gift set today and tomorrow, Nov. 27 & 28, 2017.

Name A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

The Andromeda GalaxyWe offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.

Featured Gift Set

Instant Gift Set Premium
The Instant Gift Set Premium. Click to see larger image.

Never lose sight of your star with the comprehensive Name A Star Live Instant Gift Set Premium. This high value digital gift set includes a personalized Star Certificate, Star Chart, and beautiful Astrophoto of your star’s constellation and location!

The Instant Gift Set Premium includes:

  • A letter-size, Digital Star Certificate, showing the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A Digital Star Chart showing the location of your star within its constellation (area of the night sky, such as Aries or Taurus). You get to choose the constellation for your star.
  • A Digital Astrophoto — a real photo of your star’s constellation. Customized with the star name, astronomical coordinates and includes an inset showing your star, its neighboring stars, and their location within the constellation.
Digital Astrophoto
An example of a Digital Astrophoto

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Small Business Saturday

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Name A Star Live is offered by Space Services, Inc., a small business that’s been launching payloads into space for decades! Take advantage of our Small Business Saturday sale and save 30% when you name a star! Good this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 and 27, 2017.

Name A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

A family stargazingWe offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.

 

Featured Gift Set

Name A Star Live Ultimate Children's Gift Set
The Ultimate Children’s Gift Set. Click to see larger image.

Inspire your child and help them sleep with ease with the Ultimate Children’s Gift Set. Name A Star Live’s Twilight Turtle projects three constellations while the shell lights up to highlight five endangered sea animals. Any child would love to find this gift under the Christmas tree!

In addition to the Twilight Turtle Star Projector, the Ultimate Children’s Gift Set includes:

  • A letter-size, Framed Star Certificate, showing the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A Star Chart showing the location of your star within its constellation (area of the night sky, such as Aries or Taurus). You get to choose the constellation for your star.
  • Our award-winning Virtual Planetarium astronomy software that brings astronomy to life with seven great programs in one. Explore the Universe with interactive games, breathtaking NASA imagery, and the latest updates from exciting space missions. Plus see a display of which constellations and planets are visible from your home each night. Suitable for all ages.
Twilight Turtle Star Projector
The Twilight Turtle Star Projector included with the Ultimate Children’s Gift Set

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Black Friday Sale

Buy NowIt’s Black Friday, and you know what that means: Super savings when you name a star! Save 30% with our Black Friday sale — today only, Friday, November 24!

Name A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

A bright star by a galaxyWe offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.

 

Deluxe Gift Set
The Deluxe Gift Set starts at $54.95. Click to see larger image

Featured Gift Set

One of our most popular Keepsake Gifts is the Deluxe Gift Set, which starts at $54.95. Printed and shipped to you or your gift recipient, it includes everything you’ll need to make the stars come alive. It’s a great name-a-star gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, graduation or any special occasion.

The Deluxe Gift Set includes:

  • A letter-size Star Certificate in display folder showing the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A Star Chart showing the location of your star within its constellation (area of the night sky, such as Aries or Taurus). You get to choose the constellation for your star.
  • Our award-winning Virtual Planetarium astronomy software that brings astronomy to life with seven great programs in one. Explore the Universe with interactive games, breathtaking NASA imagery, and the latest updates from exciting space missions. Plus see a display of which constellations and planets are visible from your home each night. Suitable for all ages.
  • A Digital Launch Certificate provided to you each time we launch your star name into space!
Launch Certificate
You get a Digital Launch Certificate each time we launch your star name into space — with Name A Star Live, you’re made part of real space missions!

Buy Now

 

 

Anniversary Sale!

Buy Now

It’s Name A Star Live’s Anniversary Sale! We named our first star on November 21, 2004. In celebration, take 30% off the price of any of our gifts now through Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Name A Star Live is the only star naming service that launches your star name into space! First, we provide you a letter-size Star Certificate that displays the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you write for your gift recipient. After we launch your star name, you get a  letter-size, Digital Launch Certificate confirming that your star name was part of a real space mission. You can even watch the launch online. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

StarWe offer 2 types of gifts:

  • Our Instant Gifts are provided to you via the Internet: Download, Print and Give right away, 24/7!
  • Our Keepsake Gifts are printed and shipped to you or to your gift recipient. We offer free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses.
Star Bear Gift Set
The Star Bear Gift Set starts at $39.95. Click to see larger image.

 

Featured Gift Set

A teddy bear always makes for a lovely Christmas gift. But naming a star really makes that teddy bear special! Let our lovable Star Bear deliver your holiday gift and make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

The Name A Star Live Star Bear Gift Set includes:

  • A loveable, cuddly 6″ bear holding a generic parchment certificate, and adorned with a gold ribbon and star.
  • A 5×7″ Printed Star Certificate displaying the name of your star, your star’s astronomical coordinates, and a personal message you can write for your gift recipient.
  • A letter-size Digital Star Certificate that you can download, print and give right away while your Star Bear and Printed Star Certificate are on the way in the mail.

Buy Now

See Shooting Stars in Leo this weekend!

The “Leonid meteor shower” peaks this coming weekend! In this article we’ll discuss what a meteor shower is, how to view the shooting stars, and when to view them.

Watching a meteor shower
The best way to view a meteor shower is to lie back and look up — no telescope needed!

Continue reading “See Shooting Stars in Leo this weekend!”

Christmas Shipping Info

The Star Bear Gift Set
The Star Bear Gift Setclick for more info

Name A Star Live offers two types of gifts:

  • Instant Gift Sets — Download, Print and Give 24/7! Provided via the Internet only.
  • Keepsake Gift Sets — Printed and shipped either to you or to your gift recipient. FREE Priority Mail shipping to U.S. addresses! For addresses outside the U.S., we ship via the postal systems of the U.S. and the destination country.

US Postal ServiceShipping Cutoff Time for Keepsake Gifts each business day is 2 PM Central, 3 pm Eastern, 8 pm GMT. All packages are shipped from Houston, Texas, USA. Note that we cannot guarantee delivery time frames.

Keepsake Gift Order Deadlines for Christmas Eve 2017 Delivery

To the 48 Contiguous States:

The Lower 48
The 48 Contiguous States
  • Free Priority Mail — Dec. 20
  • Express Mail — Dec. 22

Alaska: For Alaskan addresses the order deadlines are Dec. 20 for Priority Mail and Dec. 21 for Express Mail.
Hawaii: For Hawaiian addresses the order deadlines are Dec. 15 for Priority Mail and Dec. 20 for Express Mail.
U.S. Military: For most, but not all, U.S. military addresses the order deadlines are Dec. 11 for Priority Mail and Dec. 16 for Express Mail.

To Canada:Canadian flag

  • Priority Mail International — Dec. 9
  • Priority Mail Express International — Dec. 16

To Europe:Europe

  • Priority Mail International — Dec. 9
  • Priority Mail Express International — Dec. 14

To Australia/New Zealand/Asia/Pacific Rim:Pacific Rim

  • Priority Mail International — Dec. 7
  • Priority Mail Express International — Dec. 14

 

For all other destinations, please contact us for order deadlines.