Naming a star after someone who has passed away can be a meaningful tribute. To do this, visit a star naming service like Starregister.org, choose a star package, and provide the name of the deceased person as the star name.
"Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee," the IAU explains on its website. "However, such 'names' have no formal or official validity whatsoever.
After all, you cannot officially name a star after the person you want to gift one to. They do not own it, and the star's name is only that person's on the certificate they receive and on the papers of the company you made the purchase through.
Each star registry service has its own pricing and fees, so it's important to explore your options. They all primarily offer the same services, but you might prefer one registry over another. In general, you can buy a star name for anywhere from $20 to $150.
You can dedicate a memorial star to a friend or loved one who has passed away. As you can see from these sample tributes, naming a star can be very meaningful and specific to the person receiving their unique Name a Star gift.
"Name a star" is a meaningful memorial, gift of a lifetime, or a romantic gesture for your sweetheart.
You cannot buy a star from NASA or name it NASA because NASA is a scientific organization in charge of space exploration. NASA does not sell or name stars because of different reasons. First, it is a scientific, not a commercial institution. Second, it is a US-based, not an international organization.
Based in the United States, Star-Name-Registry.org offers a variety of star name packages appropriate to use as memorials for loved ones who have passed away. Their standard star package starts at just under $20 and includes a registered name, star map, and confirmation letter.
The IAU frequently receives requests from individuals who want to buy stars or name stars (or any other astronomical object). Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee. However, such "names" have no formal or official validity whatsoever.
The stars belong to everyone
But we urge you to remember that stars are not for sale. Finally, some serious and renowned institutions have been “selling” stars for fundraising purposes. But they clearly state that the sale is symbolic and has no legal or scientific meaning.
Once there is no fuel left, the star collapses and the outer layers explode as a 'supernova'. What's left over after a supernova explosion is a 'neutron star' – the collapsed core of the star – or, if there's sufficient mass, a black hole.
According to a press release from the Library of Congress, such naming has no official status, and one star can be ''named'' for any number of individuals. The official names are designated only by the International Astronomical Union, based in Paris, and that organization does not sell naming rights.
Let's be clear: registering or purchasing a star is nothing more than a novelty gift. It isn't real. “Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee,” according to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in Cambridge, Mass., the only authentic body that can name celestial objects.
The International Astronomical Union is the only organization in the planet who is recognized as the official source for assigning names to stars and all other celestial objects. What is this? The IAU was founded in 1919 and is formed by astronomers from all around the world.
In addition to having the star's new name “registered at the US Copyright office,” you get a certificate, a star chart, and a map of your star circled in red. However, you cannot get a star named after you and claim copyright to it. Names are not protected by copyright law.
Star Finder App
With over 30,000 downloads, no matter where you are, you'll always be able to locate your star with our convenient and user friendly App. Enter in your unique star ID that is found on your Name A Star certificate into the Star Register on the App to find it's exact location in the night sky.
This includes Wolf, Ross, Bradley, Piazzi, Lacaille, Struve, Groombridge, Lalande, Krueger, Mayer, Weisse, Gould, Luyten and others. For example, Wolf 359 was discovered and catalogued by Max Wolf.
You can't just name the planet or star after your child, spouse or pet. What the IAU wants are teams of students, teachers, astronomy lovers and astronomers of all levels to come together to decide a name.
Staracle® International Star Directory
Staracle is the most popular free registry. Our star registration is as legit as if you pay. A wonderful gift: Only a free star comes from the heart. It is as real as if you pay for it, no matter what they tell you.
In general, simply naming a standard star will cost roughly $50. When you log in to the website dedicated to selling stars, they will show you the exact position of the star in the sky. Most websites use Google Sky to help you locate the star.
The only body which can give names to astronomical objects is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This hasn't stopped commercial firms from 'offering' individuals the 'opportunity' to sponsor stars etc.
How much does it cost to buy a star? Star buying prices vary between $29.90 and $89.90. Still, the cost can be higher depending on additional gift items, upgraded star options, and selected delivery options.