What star-naming sellers really sell
When you “buy a star”, you usually get a printed or digital page with the name you chose, some numbers for the star, and a small chart. Some sellers also put your name in a list or a book of their own. That list is theirs alone. Astronomers, star charts and space agencies never use it.
That does not make the gift worthless. It makes it a keepsake, like a framed photo of the night sky. The trouble starts only when a seller hints that the name is recognised by scientists, or that you now own something.
What the IAU says
The IAU is the group of professional astronomers that agrees on the names of stars, planets and moons. On its own website it explains that it does not sell star names, and that names bought from companies have no standing with astronomers. You can read the IAU’s page on buying stars and star names.
How to spot an honest star gift
| Look for | Be careful of |
|---|---|
| “A keepsake”, said plainly | Words that suggest the name is recorded for science |
| A real star with its catalogue numbers | No way to look the star up yourself |
| A star you can actually see from your area | A star far too faint, or one that never rises where you live |
| A clear price and an easy refund | Ticking timers, “today only” prices, or extra fees at the end |
What you can do instead
- Find a star together, for free. Our free sky map shows the real sky over any place and date. Pick a star and give it a private name; it costs nothing.
- Make a keepsake. If you want something to frame or give, our Star Keepsake is US$12: a real star, the name you choose, its facts and a card to find it. It says clearly that it is a keepsake.
- Learn the star’s real story. Every star already has catalogue names. Read how stars get their names.