Anniversary Stars

Anniversary stars are those whose distance in light years equals the number of years being celebrated.

For example, if you were celebrating a century, the star Ruchbah at 100 light years away would be the event's Centennial Star. The light that left Ruchbah one hundred years ago would just now be reaching your eyes.

Stars merit an integral role in historical celebrations. Cultures around the world have chosen stars as the symbol of their ideals. For example, that ideal is often depicted on a flag. In addition to recognizing the prominence of stars in our iconography, proactively choose to value the real stars that inspired the stellar depictions.

Consider that half of all human history has occurred between sunset and sunrise. Get outside at night, discover the starry firmament, and find anniversary stars that commemorate history.

The other half--nighttime--awaits!

250 Years- Spica

Example: America's Semiquincentennial Star

The star Spica is America's Semiquincentennial Star. The light that left Spica in 1776 when the founding fathers were signing the Declaration of Independence is just now reaching our eyes.

200 Years- Scheat

Example: Indiana Bicentennial Star

At 200 light years, the star Scheat in the corner of the Great Square of Pegasus qualifies as Indiana's Bicentennial Star in 2016, or Illinois' Bicentennial Star in 2019.

185 Years- Muscida

Example: Muscida On The Bear's Nose

Theres a "muscida" on the snout of the bear, 185 light years away.

150 Years- Eltanin

Example: First Midnight

South Bend celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2015 with events that featured its First Midnight and the star Eltanin in Draco.

100 Years- Ruchbah

Example: Centennial Star of NPS

A century ago the National Park Service debuted, the same year as Indiana's State Parks. Also in 1916, light left the star Ruchbah in Cassiopeia.

60 Years- Sheratan

Example: Happy Birthday, Dave

A 60th birthday greeting highlights why the number 60 is a big deal. Sheratan is in the spartan constellation Aries the Ram.

50 Years- Alderamin

Example: Michiana Astronomical Society

Michiana Astronomical Society (MAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Alderamin, in the constellation of Cepheus the King, is a double star approximately 50 light years away.