My girlfriend has always talked about how she loves to look at the stars on clear nights. She says they are so beautiful. Her birthday is coming up (1 month), and I have an idea. I was wondering if you think it would be too corny?
[ul]
[li]Name a star after her.[/li][li]Go to an Dinner and an observatory, or astronomical museum or whatever like that.[/li][li]Get her a telescope.[/li][li]Set the telescope up for her (Backyard? Bedroom? Where do they go?)[/li][li]Learn how to use it together.[/li][/ul]
So dopers, do you think that this idea would be a bit too corny? Sweet? Is there anything you think I should add or subtract from the plan to make it more complete? Don’t be afraid to tell me it sucks too, because I have backup ideas too. I just think that this is my best one yet. Be brutaly honest. THANKS!
It sounds sweet to me, and not corny. However, people have told me that I am corny, so take that into consideration. Other ideas on the theme are a book of constellations, maybe with the accompanying mythology, so you can identify what you see up there; planetarium tour; star-shaped jewelry. The National Star Registry sends a certificate when you name a star, so you could have that framed for her as well. I have no clue what would be the bets place to set up a telescope, though.
It’s still a nice gesture, and if neither you or your girlfriend care about the legitimacy of this, I say go for it.
I think it’s sweet that you’re putting as much effort as you are into planning her birthday around what she likes, and making it into something you two can do together.
My own favorite sky-watching activity is going to the beach with a picnic dinner. If you’re located next to any body of water (and it’s safe and legal to go there at night), you might want to consider that.
I like them all except the naming the star after her, which I have always that was just silly. However, I think you have put a lot of thought into her birthday - the real gift here is showing that you care. Caring is never corny.
I think it’s sweet. You might even think of decorating the ceiling above her bed(room). A friend of mine has those glow in the dark stars in actual constellation configurations. It would take forever to do, but you can say it’s for all the times she’s sick and stuck in bed, away from the sky.
That’s probably corny, but I’m a hopeless romantic with a taste for corn.
A man that does that sort of thing gets very high marks in my book. He remembered something I said (which can be a difficult task for some men) and decided to take that and make into a romantic night.
Those are good ideas, Chekmate. I work for a science museum, so just a little comment about naming stars. Our observatory manager says (in response to a patron’s query):
“The star naming thing is fun, but it really does not mean anything. International Star Registry does it and they send you a certificate and try to make you think it’s real. They assign you a dim star that you probably will never see. I think it’s about $45. You could probably do an internet search and find them…”
Get her a basic Mead telescope, and if you have access to a local observatory at a museum, take her there one night. They’ll be happy to teach you both how to use the telescope.
You seem like a thoughtful man - I’m sure she’ll love whatever you choose.
