FAQ: Naming & buying a star

Naming a star is relatively easy and doesn't require any knowledge about astronomy or stars at all. Providers like us have specialized in naming stars for individuals in a few simple steps: 

1. Choose your Package
2. Decide the name of the star
3. Design your Star Certificate
4. Receive your registration number & documents

The whole process of naming a star takes about 5-10 minutes for you, and another 2-6 hours until we registered the star.

Name a star now 

The prices depend on the package you choose and the brightness of the star. The prices vary from US$ 39.90 for a standard star with normal brightness to US$180 for a very bright binary star. 

When individuals name a star, the scientific name of the star does not change. Only the IAU (International Astronomical Union) can name a star scientifically. But these names are quite different than the names an individual can choose. For example they name stars after scientific names like Alpha Centauri, Altair & Beta Pictoris. Our service is more for private individuals who'd like to name a star as symbolic gift.

Naming a star by private individuals is legitimate as long as they don't want to change the scientific name of the star. If individuals name a star as a symbolic gift, it is totally legit and can be done without any doubt.

Naming a star as a gift for a beloved person is not only a great gift but also a gift that lasts forever. You can write your own dedication on the certificate, so it's a great fit for any occasion. As you can receive the documents digitally, it's also a great last-minute gift idea!

This depends on the provider you choose and the extra options you select. In general, you will receive a gift package that includes a celestial map and a customized star certificate.
We (Star Registration) also include a factsheet explaining all the important facts about your named star, a beautiful presentation folder, and an online planetarium software & app to find your named star!

It greatly depends on the provider you choose. Several providers offer cheap options to name stars that can not be seen with the naked eye, and you will require a telescope. We have decided to only name stars that can be seen with the naked eye and without any additional tools required.
We also make sure that the star we name for you never settles below the horizon, so you'll be able to see your star throughout the whole year.

With a binary star naming, you can name a system that consists of 2 stars orbiting each other. Seen from Earth, such a binary star system is perceived as one star, which may shine somewhat larger and brighter than other stars.

Name a Binary Star 

NASA has nothing to do with naming stars or celestial bodies at all. NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space research.
Read more about the myth about naming a star through NASA

If you gift a star with Star-Registration.com, you will be able to download the Star Finder App and simply enter your registration number. Naming a star with another provider, you most likely will get RA and DEC coordinates that will help you to find the named star with the help of a telescope instead of an app.
Read more about How do I find my named star?

While it is possible to find free services that offer star naming, these options often come with significant limitations. Free services typically do not provide a personalized certificate, a detailed star map, or any practical way to view your star without a telescope. Additionally, they do not guarantee the visibility of the star or the longevity of the registration. Read more in our detailed blog post about naming a star for free

Yes, you can have the star naming sent directly to the recipient. The invoice and other order details will only be sent to the buyer via email. Typically, the star naming arrives at the recipient's address within the given shipping times.

First, buying a star is not possible in terms of owning it. But several providers allow you to name a star in the night sky and dedicate it to someone.

Name a star

Buying a star as a symbolic gift (also known as "naming a star") is legit. However, you should be cautious with providers promising to sell rights on the stars, as owning a star is impossible.

As already mentioned, buying a star is not possible, and therefore, you also can't own a star. Star-Registration.com provides an alternative way to name & dedicate a star in the night sky, though.

Several providers offer the service to buy a star. You can do it directly with us (Star-Registration.com) or see our list of other providers to buy a star. Please note that not all providers are partners of the star register, and therefore, it might not be possible to use the app we mentioned earlier.