To the French monarch Louis XIV, he was known as the Sun King. However, that title, in all its absolutist pomp, belongs to a different contender—one that lies far from the likes of Cuahtemoc or Amenhotep III. That title now boldly belongs to Ángeles Durán, a Galician woman who, in 2010, surprised the world by proclaiming her ownership over the very Sun itself.
I, Owner of the Sun
Durán ventured into a notary’s office in Salvaterra do Miño to create an official record declaring herself the legitimate owner of the Sun, the very axis of the Solar System. The story unfolded in The Voice of Galicia, sparking international interest, including coverage by foreign media.
“I am the owner of the Sun, a star of spectral type G2,” the document declared, asserting Durán’s claims amidst laughter from the notary. Yet, it led to a captivating saga of legal and existential debate.
Following her announcement, various speculations arose about her background, suggesting she was a lawyer and psychologist at the time. Durán even mentioned her intent to compose “spicy and erotic songs”.
The Legal Framework
Durán’s claim rested on a creative interpretation of legal principles, including the absence of international agreements prohibiting individuals from claiming celestial bodies. Her argument drew from usucapion, a Roman law concept that allows individuals to gain rights by continuous use over an extended period. “I didn’t buy the Sun; I just recorded my claims,” she maintained in media interviews.
Interestingly, she wasn’t the first to stake such a claim. In the past, American businessman Dennis Hope had also argued for ownership of the Moon based on similar legal loopholes.
Selling Solar Plots
Durán didn’t stop after claiming ownership. She began selling plots of the Sun on eBay, offering certified parcels for just one euro. Initially, she marketed nearly a hundred solar portions, aiming to sell a total of 10,000. However, eBay intervened, blocking her sales. Undeterred, she took the giant to court, demanding 10,000 euros in damages.
The case moved to the Court of First Instance 5 in Alcobendas. In a dramatic twist, the court ultimately dismissed her case—marking a surreal conclusion to her audacious venture.
The Aftermath
Durán’s saga continued to unfold as she received both media attention and legal challenges. In 2015, someone reported burns from sun exposure, claiming Durán should be liable as the alleged owner. In her defense, Durán attributed blame to pollution affecting the ozone layer, stating, “The Sun is not to blame.”
While her idea raises profound legal and philosophical questions about ownership in the cosmos, Durán’s story remains a fascinating exploration of creativity in the face of legal absurdities, sparking imaginations about who, if anyone, can truly “own” the Sun.
