News & Press Releases
Seventh Grade Homeroom Has Star Power
“Ms. Jacobs’ Homeroom Class 09-10” is now the name of a star.
Seriously.
Our 7th and 8th grade science teacher recently came across the unusual offer to name a star after an individual or group while perusing a magazine. But there was a bit more to it than happenstance.
“I wanted our class to be remembered in a unique way, because even without the star, I know I will always remember this special group of students,” Ms. Jacobs relates.
The International Star Registry, which started in 1979, will identify a star for the registrant for $54. Ms. Jacobs’ homeroom students, thrilled by the prospect of star power of this magnitude, raised $40 very quickly. Their teacher donated the difference as a gift to her class. The star name is now registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
“We have been studying astronomy this quarter,” Ms. Jacobs explains. “At the time we bought our star, we were studying the life cycles of stars.” The class discussed what star they would like to buy (quite an inventory to choose from), the possibility of their star being sucked into a black hole (in the universe, it doesn’t get any worse than that), and the age of the star they would like to own (ideally, one that still had a warranty). They paid their fee, and the deed was done. The class now has an official certificate from the International Star Registry to prove it.
Following are some of the students’ comments about their newly acquired star status:
“I think it is really awesome that we have our own star in space. Hopefully, we will be able to see it with the telescope we have in our classroom.” – Ian Harlow
“Our star is very helpful to our classroom because we are learning about galaxies, planets, and star systems. Also, I can’t wait to see our star in the class telescope!” – Jazzy Baker
“I love our star! It is the best star in space!” – Maleha Johnson
“Our star is among many other marvelous stars, and is, therefore, marvelous on its own.” – Bobby Welch
“Now we can tell people, ‘My class bought a star!’ It’s really cool how something in space is ours.” – Gabi Hagedorn
“At first I thought this was crazy, but I think it brings the class together.” – Steven Hill
The Jacobs’ Homeroom Class 09-10 star is located in the constellation of Aquarius, right here in our neighborhood – the Milky Way Galaxy – though many light years from Irvington. The star’s official astronomical coordinates are: RA22h15m5.26s D-17° 46’54.48. If you don’t have a telescope handy, a star chart to work from, or a degree in astronomy, Ms. Jacobs is happy to show you where her homeroom star shines in Aquarius. At least on paper!