How To Buy Your Own Star May 2026

A showing the exact coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination).

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. how to buy your own star

When you "buy" a star, you are essentially paying a private company to enter a name into their own proprietary registry and send you a gift kit. How to "Register" a Star A showing the exact coordinates (Right Ascension and

Because these registries are private, different companies could "sell" the same star to multiple people. How to "Register" a Star Because these registries

Located within a specific, recognizable constellation.

Professional astronomers and NASA will not use your chosen name. They will continue to refer to the star by its scientific designation (e.g., HD 189733).

Select a reputable commercial registry. Popular options include the International Star Registry (ISR) , which has been operating since 1979, Star Registration , or Star Name Registry.