| How to Name a Star Posted: 11 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT If you were interested in naming a star after yourself or someone you know, several companies offer services to name your own star. Note that the star won't be the official name of the star and it's likely that the star has already been named something else in another registry. While the name won't be official, you'll receive a certificate and other astronomical gifts that will make you or someone you know feel special.[1] Officially, most stars have already been cataloged with a series of letters and numbers. However, larger, more significant stars usually have a unique name given to them by different cultures or astronomers. [Edit]Naming a Star Online - Search online for star-naming registries. Several non-official, for-profit online registries offer star naming services. These registries give you a certificate for your star and other items like photographs of constellations, a star map, fact sheets, and space-themed accessories. Most packages will also include instructions on how to find your star in the sky. Look online at different companies and compare what they offer to help narrow down your decision.[2]
- The only official registry is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). They define how stars and other celestial bodies are officially named for astronomical and scientific purposes.
- Compare gift packages and choose the one you like the best. Most online star-naming registries will have different packages that you can buy. If you want to get more merchandise, you'll have to purchase a more expensive package. Look at the different packages and choose one based on your budget and what they have to offer.[3]
- Star naming packages typically cost anywhere from $30 to $100.
- Purchase the star and wait for your certificate to come in the mail. Once you select the package, input your payment details and put in your order. Once you pay, you'll be prompted to type in your desired star name. Most companies will then pick out a star for you and show you a photo of it in relation to other stars.[4]
- If you're naming a star after someone else, you should input their address so that the package gets delivered to them.
- You should receive an email confirmation and a receipt for your purchase.
- Email the IAU to officially name unnamed comets or meteors. Though most stars, constellations, and planets have already been named, new comets or meteors typically receive a name based on the person who discovered them. If you have a telescope and see a comet or meteor that you don't think was named yet, email cbatiau@eps.harvard.edu. As you track the comet or meteor, make sure to keep meticulous records and contact the IAU as soon as possible. In the email, include your name, address, contact details, date and time of the observation, the observation method, and the observation site.[5]
- When a comet can be seen by the naked eye, you typically can not name it since many other people "discovered" it at the same time.
- The observation method could include a telescope, naked eye, or photograph.
- The observation site should include the town or city name and longitude and latitude of your location when you made the discovery.
- Usually astronomers and teams of astronomers with telescopes are the first ones to find and name new comets and meteors.
[Edit]Thinking Of a Good Name - Name a star after someone you know for a thoughtful gift. Most people will name a star after someone they know as a gift. Again, while the star may not be officially named across all registries, the merchandise that you get with the package is a great gift for someone interested in astronomy. Having a star named after you will leave most people feeling happy and unique.[6]
- You can also name a star after someone who has passed away in honor of their name.
- You can also name the star after yourself.
- Think of a name from ancient mythology for a historical approach. Most stars and constellations have been historically named based on characters from ancient mythology. Some stars and constellations may have more than 1 name depending on the culture or society that originally coined their names. For example, Taurus was originally named Ain in the original Arabic text.[7]
- Constellations named using Greek mythology include Andromeda, Draco, and Orion.
- Name a star by its size and constellation for an official name. Officially, most stars are named by their constellation so astronomers can keep track of them. Usually, the stars will have a designation after the constellation name like alpha or beta to describe their size. For example, the largest star in the Orion constellation is named Alpha Orionis and the second largest star is called Beta Orionis.[8]
- Alpha, beta, and gamma come from the Greek alphabet.
- This method of naming stars is called the Bayer method.
- Discover a new star and name it after yourself. When new stars are discovered they are named after the person or team who discovered them along with coordinates of the star. Astronomers or teams of astronomers with high-powered telescopes are typically the ones who discover new stars. These official names are cataloged by the International Astronomical Union and have names like Luyten 726-8A, BD +5deg 1668, and Kruger 60 A. It is highly unlikely that the star you find hasn't been cataloged but if you believe that you've found a new star, email cbatiau@eps.harvard.edu and include details like the time you discovered the star, your name, address, and contact information.[9]
- There's a good chance the star that you found has already been discovered. You can cross-reference the IAU constellation and star catalogs to see whether the coordinates of your star match an already existing star.
- The coordinates are calculated by determining the star's ascension and declination in space, which is the equivalent to longitude and latitude on earth.
- There are millions of stars that have already been cataloged by the International Astronomical Union.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Floral Headdress Posted: 11 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT Floral headdresses are the ultimate accessory for any music festival, garden party, or boho-style outdoor wedding. After selecting your florals and greenery and molding the base of your crown, you can create your own unique floral headdress that will make a statement whatever the occasion. [Edit]Selecting Your Florals and Greenery - Choose the main flowers for your headdress. Visit a florist, grocery store, or any retailer that sells flowers in your area and choose the flowers you want to use to create your floral headdress. Depending on the size of the flowers and bunches they are sold in, you will need 1 to 2 bunches of your main flowers (about 6 to 12 stems). The main flowers set the tone for your headdress and make the biggest statement, so keep in mind what color scheme and vibe you are going for.
- You can use real or fake flowers depending on the occasion and your personal preference.
- Choose one main flower for your headdress, or mix it up with 2 or 3 options.
- Roses, dahlias, daisies, carnations, and peonies are all great options that tend to hold up well on floral headdresses.[1]
- Find filler flowers to enhance and complement your main flowers. Filler flowers are smaller flowers that can be used to fill in any dead space on your floral headdress. While you can certainly make a floral headdress using only your main flowers, adding filler flowers is a great option if you want to add more color and visual interest to your headdress.[2]
- Baby's breath, poms, and statice make great options for filler flowers.[3]
- Depending on the size of the flowers and the bunches they are sold in, you will likely need 1 or 2 bunches of filler flowers.
- Select greenery for the base of your headdress. Like filler flowers, greenery adds visual interest to your floral headdress. Adding greenery is also helpful if you want to disguise the florist wire base of your headdress and hide it from view.[4]
- Ivy, eucalyptus, and ferns are some great greenery options. These plants have long and bendable stems or leaves, making them easy to wrap around the florist wire base.
[Edit]Shaping the Florist Wire - Measure your head with measuring tape. Using a bendable measuring tape, wrap the measuring tape across your forehead and around the back of your head. Once the measuring tape is wrapped in a circle around your head, hold the tape between two fingers to mark where the tape meets.[5]
- You may want to write down your measurement, as you will need to refer to this later on.
- When wrapping the measuring tape around your head, make sure that you don't hold the tape too tightly or the crown may be tight and uncomfortable.
- Cut the floral wire for your headdress with scissors. Once you have measured your head, line up the measuring tape to your green florist wire. Add to the length, then use scissors to cut the wire.
- You will need to overlap the ends of the florist wire in order to connect it into a circular crown, so adding about to the length is crucial.
- Mold the florist wire into a crown shape. Once you have measured and cut the green florist wire, wrap it across your forehead and around the back of your head. Overlap the extra in length and hold it together tightly between your finger and thumb on one hand. Use your fingers on the other hand to adjust the shape of the wire so that it fits comfortably around your head.[6]
- Since you will be adding flowers and greenery, leave a little bit of wiggle room so that the crown doesn't get too tight with the floral additions later on.
- Tape the overlapping florist wire to secure in a circle. After you have molded the florist wire to fit your head, remove it while maintaining your hold on the overlapping ends. Wrap the overlapping ends tightly with florist tape, replacing your fingers with the tape.
- You can also use thin craft wire to secure the ends. To do this, cut a to piece of craft wire. Twist the craft wire around the overlapping section to secure in place.[7]
[Edit]Making Your Floral Bunches - Cut your floral stems. Using scissors, cut both your main and filler flower stems about down from the base of the flower head.[8] You will attach the flowers together and to the florist wire crown by the stems, so it is important that you leave enough stem to do this.
- While the stems may look a bit long, you will be able to trim them later on.
- Arrange the flowers in small bunches. Gather together 1 or 2 of your main flowers, along with a few sprigs of the filler flowers (about 1 to 5 depending on how big your flowers are). Separate these into a small pile away from the rest of your flowers. Repeat this process until all your main flowers and fillers are separated into small bunches.[9]
- Note that while you may not end up needing all your flower bunches, it is helpful to have them separated and arranged to your taste in case you do end up needing them all. This way, you don't have to stop and make more as you go – they will be ready to go as needed.
- Secure the bunches together. Using floral tape or craft wire, secure each of the bunches together by wrapping the tape or wire around the stems. Start just below the flower heads and wrap down the stems until they are securely fastened together. Leave a little bit of room at the bottom of the stems so that you can trim later if needed.
[Edit]Adding Your Flowers and Greenery - Secure your greenery to the florist wire crown. If you are using a long type of greenery, such as ivy or eucalyptus, you can attach this easily by cutting it about longer than your florist wire crown and wrapping it around the crown, alternate over and under. Secure the greenery by overlapping the excess and wrapping the overlapped section with floral tape or thin craft wire.[10]
- If you are using a shorter type of greenery, such as individual leaves or sprigs, attach each individually. You can do this by placing each leaf or sprig where you want it on the florist wire crown and holding it in place with your fingers. Then, secure it to the crown by wrapping the stem and florist wire together with florist tape or craft wire. Repeat until all your greenery is attached.[11]
- Attaching your greenery first will make it easier for you to seamlessly nestle your flower bunches amongst the greenery.
- Attach the floral bunches to your headdress. Start by selecting one of your pre-arranged floral bunches. Decide where you want to attach the bunch and hold it in place on the crown with your fingers. Secure the bunch to the crown by wrapping the stems and florist wire together with florist tape or craft wire. Repeat this until you have attached all the floral bunches you need to achieve your desired look.[12]
- Attach the floral bunches one by one, stopping to briefly examine the crown so that you can adjust the placement as you go to get the look you are going for.
- Trim any extra stems. To complete your floral headdress, use scissors to clip off any stems that are sticking out. [13] Be careful not to cut any of the flowers or any of the florist tape or wire that holds your crown together.
- If you are using real flowers, you can store your floral headdress in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a few days (time will vary depending on the type of flowers you use).
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Main flowers of choice
- Filler flowers of choice
- Greenery of choice
- Green florist wire
- Scissors
- Floral tape or craft wire
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Set up Lighting for a Party Posted: 11 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT Lighting is an important part of setting up a fun party. You don't have to spend a lot of time or money figuring out what you need, but you do need to make a couple of decisions about how to light up a room. There are many different light sources available, so choose what goes best with the type of party you're throwing. Figure out where you're going to position the lighting, then adjust it to create the perfect atmosphere. Give yourself plenty of time to test and troubleshoot the lighting so you can enjoy the party. [Edit]Selecting Types of Lights - Use candles to create an intimate atmosphere. Candles don't cast much light, but that makes them perfect for smaller events like dinner parties. Place them on tables and other areas where people tend to gather. Since candlelight is dim, position candles close to your guests. However, keep them away from spots with a lot of activity to prevent them from falling over or getting blown out.[1]
- If you're choosing regular candles, pick unscented ones to avoid irritating your guests. Place them in sturdy, enclosed holders to guard against fires in case someone bumps one over.
- Look for LED candles for better light control. Many offer unique features like colored lighting or even remote control. Since they don't have actual flames, you don't have to worry about activating the smoke detector during an indoor party.
- Another option is to hang up a candle chandelier for an impressive way to decorate your home when you host a formal event.
- Set up table lamps for brightness at casual house parties. Lamps are generally pretty bulky and cast a lot of light, so they have to be placed strategically. Since you probably have lamps at home, they are an easy source of lighting to use indoors. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce bright lighting, such as by using dimmer bulbs and switches. To make lamps work for a more formal event, try using decorate lampshades.[2]
- If you're looking for a unique lighting system, install low-watt bulbs in your lamps and put them where people eat and gather. Save your brightest bulbs to set up lighting away from the main party area.
- Take stock of the available electrical outlets and think about where you're going to hide cords so they don't pose a tripping hazard to your guests. Lamps are better for indoor parties than outdoor ones.
- If lamps are too bright or impossible to set up, try placing lanterns in areas you expect your guests to frequent.
- Hang up string lights for pleasant garden parties. String lights come in a variety of styles, so they can add a lot of style and atmosphere to your party. They are most commonly used for informal events outdoors where everyone can sit under the lights, though they work well as a decoration at all sorts of parties. However, you will need to string the lights across buildings, fences, and tree branches. Plug the lights into the nearest outlet or get battery-controlled ones for more options.[3]
- String lights can be hung up indoors if you have room for them. Use them to add color to your most informal celebrations.
- For a vintage vibe, go with Edison-style string lights. Try looking for fairy lights if you need something smaller and more decorative.
- Another option is to repurpose Christmas lights. Get some strands of LED bulbs that add style without overwhelming guests like traditional party LEDs tend to do.
- Set up LED lights for colorful dance parties. These kinds of lights are what many DJs use to light up a party in style. Set up wireless LEDs anywhere without needing to worry about finding an electrical outlet. Many LED lights are remote-controlled and may even have built-in speakers if you plan on playing music. You can choose the color setting you wish to display.[4]
- LED lights aren't as bright as regular incandescent bulbs, but their coloring can make them irritating for some people. It's best to put them away from your guests, such as around the edges of a dance floor.
- Start a fire if you have a fireplace or fire pit. A roaring fire brings a unique level of coziness to a party. Outdoor fires are great for friendly gatherings while indoor ones can make a simple party feel a little more formal. Fires work best in the evening on cooler days, but keep in mind how close you have to get to a fire in order to benefit from its light. Also, factor in the smoke and what you need to do to keep the fire burning.[5]
- Fires have a limited range when used for lighting. Unless your party is centered around the fire, you may need to set up additional sources of illumination.
- Fires can be dangerous if you and your guests aren't careful around them. Take proper safety precautions, such as by keeping it away from flammable items.
- Set up lanterns to add a country flair to outdoor parties. Lanterns are good replacements for lamps and string lights if you can't plug them in outdoors. Use them similarly to fires for fun, informal gatherings. They are portable like candles and offer more light, but you also have to be careful about how you use them. Refill the lantern as it runs out of fuel.[6]
- If you're not planning on dealing with kerosene or another fuel source, try using battery-powered lanterns.
- Oil lanterns are meant to be used outdoors. Switch to harmless battery lanterns for indoor use.
- Use torches as a decoration for festive outdoor parties. Tiki torches are a popular lighting option in summer whether you're throwing a backyard barbeque or a luau. Plant the torches in the ground, fuel them with citronella oil, then light them up when you're ready to use them. You can find different styles of torches if you're looking to create a theme for your party.[7]
- Torches aren't hard to use, but you do need to take time planting them in your yard. Keep them away from flammable objects and have something absorbent on hand to clean up spilled oil.
- Make your own lighting to decorate fun, informal parties. Gather supplies for some inexpensive craft projects you can use as portable light sources. Try creating some paper lanterns by folding up a piece of paper and dropping a tea light into it. You could also pour wax or oil into a glass jar.[8]
- These small crafts are good stand-ins for regular, boring candles. They can add a little bit of illumination in dark settings.
- Custom lighting is often cheaper than renting or installing new light sources.
[Edit]Positioning Lighting - Find outlets and other places to set up your lights. Count the number of outlets you have available. This will give you an idea of how many electrical lights you can use and where you can put them. If you need to light a large space, you may need to get some extension cords. Plan your lighting system around the number of outlets you have so none of your guests end up in the dark.
- Keep in mind where you put electrical cords. They can be a tripping hazard for your guests. Strategize to tuck them away in corners, taping them to the wall or floor to get them out of the way.
- If you're hosting your party outdoors, you may not be able to use electric lights. Fit them in where you can, then rely on lanterns, torches, and other options.
- Keep electric lamps near outlets, then fill in the rest of the party space with alternatives like candles to set the perfect tone.
- Set up lighting so it shines indirectly on your guests. Walk around the party venue, identifying good spots for lights. Party lighting works well when it isn't aimed at your guests' eyes. Space your lights out and point them away from where your guests are going to be. Stick to dimmer sources of illumination when you need to put lights close to your guests.[9]
- Leave bright lights like high-watt bulbs and LEDs close to the wall. Try pointing them at walls so they don't inadvertently blind your guests.
- Dim electric lamps with solid shades The shades direct light out of the top and bottom, limiting the brightness. Transparent shades let out too much light for most parties.
- Keep candles and lanterns inside containers that limit illumination. Hurricane shades, for example, protect candles and serve as a party decoration.
- Hang up lights overhead to get them out of the way. Find secure spots for hanging lights, such as by attaching them to the wall, a fence, or tree branches. Measure out the distance you need to stretch the light strands to illuminate your party. Also, take into account how far away the nearest electrical outlet is.[10]
- Install wall hooks to create more spots to hang and secure overhead lights. You will need some solid surfaces to install the hooks, such as the side of a wall or tree.
- If you don't have wall outlets, try using hanging lanterns. Place them on metal hooks, strong branches, and other durable hangers.
- Make patterns out of hanging lights to impress your guests. Arrange string lights to serve as both decoration and lighting. Try zig-zagging the lights across your yard, for instance. If you're indoors, hang them along walls and rafters to direct guests or add color. Let them hang down a little bit so that your guests can admire them.[11]
- If you're hanging up hurricane shades or candle lanterns, for instance, alternate fixtures of a different color. You could arrange them in a pattern on a fence for guests to admire.
- Try dangling string lights in an entryway, using them to spell out words on a wall, or framing objects like mirrors and ladders.
- Place small light sources on tables as centerpieces. Pick short or thin lighting such as small lamps, lanterns, and candle holders. These areas need to be well-illuminated so people can see one another, but don't let the lighting get in the way. Make it as unobtrusive as possible and dim enough to maintain the same atmosphere as the rest of your party.
- Unless your party is unusually bright, expect to need some smaller light sources. Every table needs its own illumination.[12]
- For outdoor parties, keep candles or lanterns on tables unless you have overhead lighting, a fire, or torches nearby. Adding centerpieces often helps when dealing with low lighting in the evening.
- Add style to a party by buying or making your own centerpieces. Get some festive candle holders that match the party's theme, for instance.
- Set up individual lights near where people are likely to congregate. Give your guests some spots to gather around. Put decent lighting next to furniture or move the furniture to take advantage of lighting placement. You definitely need some light at tables and near other furniture. These areas can be a little brighter than the rest of the lighting you use as long as you keep it away from the rest of your party.[13]
- The lighting can be pretty dim in these areas as long as your guests are still able to see what they are doing. Low-watt bulbs are fine indoors, but you could also use candles and lanterns.
- For outdoor parties, most people will gather around a fire if you have one. Otherwise, set up candles, torches, lanterns, and other alternatives in areas that require lighting.
- If you have extra rooms available, consider leaving them open to guests. Prepare brighter lighting there for guests who want it. If you're outdoors, make use of natural lighting and supplement it with your own.
- Contact a rental company if you need help lighting up a large space. Search for party light or event lighting companies in your area. These companies offer all sorts of different lighting options, from beautiful string lights to colorful LEDs. They also have lots of special options, such as projectors that splash images across the walls. The best part is that you may not even have to set up the lighting yourself!
- Call the company to discuss pricing. Make sure you find out the cost of the installation if you plan on having the company do it.
- Renting is great for large or single-time events. If you throw parties often, especially at home, you may be better off investing in your own lighting systems.
[Edit]Setting a Mood for the Party - Choose colored bulbs to give your party a more informal tone. The tone of your party will help you determine what kind of lights you need and how to arrange them. If you're going for something formal, then you probably don't need lots of colors. It's the opposite if you're going for an informal party. Get colored bulbs and LED lights or put your candles in colored shades.[14]
- Pick which colors you want to display. Orange and green work well for a Holiday-themed party, for example.
- If you're throwing a basic house party, try hanging some simple string lights. Use Christmas lights to add a little color.
- Fancy lamps and candles are enough for formal parties, so set the tone through other methods like lighting placement.
- Install low-watt bulbs in any electrical lights. The regular bulbs you use in your home are going to be too bright for most parties. Try switching them with 40-watt bulbs. Low-watt bulbs emit a much softer glow that sets a gentle tone perfect for most parties. Purchase some party bulbs, checking the packaging for the wattage to ensure you get what you need.[15]
- Keep in mind that LED and CFL bulbs put out less light than incandescent bulbs. LED and incandescent bulbs will be even dimmer than incandescent bulbs of the same wattage.
- Test the light bulbs before the party begins. Make sure they give off enough light for you to see, but not enough to distract from the party.
- Use bright lights to illuminate or direct guests at the party. The low lighting at a party makes navigating a little tricky sometimes. Set up your strongest light sources to draw attention to important spots where guests need to be able to see clearly. Keep the lights near the edges of your party space so they don't get overwhelming. When they are placed further away than dimmer lights, they add some illumination while also giving guests a place to go when they leave.[16]
- For example, put bright lamps or spotlights near food tables, The lights show new guests all the delicious food you have prepared for them. When they head to the table, they will be able to see what they're eating.
- For outdoor parties, add extra lanterns or torches as needed. You could keep food indoors or move it to the brightest part of your yard, for instance.
- Some other good places to put brighter lights include near the bathroom, the hallway, and the entryway.
- Install dimmer switches in order to set the lighting at the perfect level. Buy some plug-in dimmer switches to control the output from electric light sources. After connecting the light source to the dimmer, plug the dimmer into an outlet. Use the slider on the dimmer to gradually raise or lower the amount of light in the room.[17]
- If your party is indoors, also consider installing a dimmer switch on the wall. Remove the old light switch, then plug the wires into the dimmer. You will be able to set your home's lights to a more party-appropriate level.
- Use strobes and other dance lights to make a party less stuffy. Strobes, disco balls, and similar lighting options are common at dances. Use them to get people moving, but don't point them directly at your guests. Set the disco ball in the middle of a party area so people are either under it or far enough away that the light doesn't bother them. Position strobes on the outer edges of the area, pointing them at a wall or ceiling.[18]
- These kinds of lights work well in areas with a lot of activity, such as a dance floor. You don't need them around dining areas and spots where people go to relax.
- Position lights behind objects to create shade. Try using objects like plants or big pieces of furniture as blockers for bright lights. Small uplights placed in the right spot make visible shadows that lend an interesting effect to your party. It's a clever way to improve the atmosphere by creating interesting shadows and highlighting decorations.[19]
- The lights also turn objects into focal points. Put a light behind your favorite piece of art, for instance, and every guest will look at it as they walk by.
- Hiding bright lights behind objects like tables can be very helpful for outdoor parties. Put a lamp behind a table or set up your party behind a tree that will block out the brightness.
- Disable bright lights in other rooms that are close to the party. The light from these rooms could end up blinding your guests. Electric bulbs are the most common culprit, so remove them or flip the circuit breaker to deactivate them. You still need some illumination there if you expect the guests to use the room. Put candles or dimmer light bulbs there instead.[20]
- For example, the light from a nearby bathroom can often be disruptive. If it's close to the main party area, set a candle out to direct your guests there.
- Most parties need a variety of lighting. Unless you're setting up in a very intimate space, plan on getting several different light sources.
- Ask vendors, such as DJs, what they are planning to do for lighting. Many of them bring their own lights, which will save you some of the hassle of setting up.
- Lighting isn't an area where you need to spend a lot of money. Save that budget for the rest of your party.
- Set up your lighting in advance to test it out before the party. This will allow you to make adjustments and add more lighting as needed.
[Edit]Warnings - Candles and open flames can lead to fires if you're not careful. Keep on eye on them throughout the party and position them away from busy areas.
- Plug electrical lighting into outlets that have a circuit breaker to prevent fires or electrocution. Also, keep cords away from water and out of the way of your guests.
[Edit]References |
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