In the annals of unusual legal claims, few are as audacious as that of María Ángeles Durán, a woman from Spain who confidently asserts that she is the rightful owner of the Sun.
Her declaration, which first gained public attention years ago, is based on a loophole she identified in international law—one that, she argues, grants her celestial property rights over the star at the center of our solar system.
How Did This Extraordinary Claim Begin?
María Ángeles Durán, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur with a knack for unconventional ideas, made headlines when she announced that she had officially registered the Sun under her name.
According to her reasoning, no nation can claim sovereignty over celestial bodies, as stated in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
However, she argues that this does not apply to individuals. Based on this interpretation, she filed documents asserting her ownership with a local notary, formalizing her legal claim to the Sun.
While many dismissed her move as a publicity stunt or an exercise in absurdity, Durán insists she is serious. She has even proposed charging the inhabitants of Earth a fee for using "her" Sun, though the mechanics of such a plan remain unclear.
The Legal and Scientific Implications
The idea of private ownership of celestial bodies has long been a topic of debate, particularly with the rising interest in space tourism and asteroid mining. However, Durán’s claim pushes these discussions into an entirely new dimension.
Legal experts have largely dismissed her assertion, pointing out that international treaties prohibit the appropriation of celestial bodies by individuals or entities.
Furthermore, even if her claim were recognized, enforcing ownership over the Sun presents insurmountable challenges.
How would one regulate solar usage? Who would be responsible for its maintenance? And most pressingly, who would be liable for the Sun’s harmful effects, such as solar flares and climate change influences?
A Novel Business Strategy or Mere Provocation?
Despite the widespread skepticism surrounding her claim, Durán has attempted to monetize her "ownership" by selling plots of the Sun online. She claims to have sold portions of the Sun to various buyers, though there is no legitimate legal backing to such transactions.
Reactions to her bold declaration have ranged from amusement to frustration. Some see her claim as a creative, if futile, challenge to legal frameworks, while others dismiss it outright as nonsense.
Regardless of opinions, her story continues to capture public interest, sparking debates on the limits of private property and the nature of ownership itself.
The Future of Celestial Property Claims
As humanity advances toward an era of increased space exploration and potential colonization, the question of property rights in space may need to be revisited. Can celestial objects be owned? If so, what mechanisms would govern their distribution and use?
While María Ángeles Durán’s claim to the Sun may never be taken seriously in legal circles, it serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries of ownership—an issue that will likely grow in importance as space technology progresses.
Whether she truly believes in her ownership or is simply testing the limits of legality and public imagination, her unusual declaration remains one of the most curious claims in modern history.
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