How To Buy Your Own Star · Deluxe

The idea of "buying a star" is a popular gift gesture, but it is important to understand that No private company has the authority to rename a star; that power belongs exclusively to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which uses coordinates and catalog numbers rather than names.

Once purchased, you will typically receive: A Certificate of Registration with the new star name. how to buy your own star

Because these registries are private, different companies could "sell" the same star to multiple people. The idea of "buying a star" is a

Decide on the name you want to register and a significant date (such as a birthday or anniversary) to be printed on the certificate. Decide on the name you want to register

If you simply want to find a star to dedicate to someone without the paperwork, you can use free tools like Stellarium or Google Sky to pick a coordinate and "claim" it in your own heart.

If you want to name a star for sentimental reasons, follow these steps: