The only internationally recognized authority for naming celestial bodies is the , and they never sell star names. Official star names are established through historical usage or specific scientific guidelines, and since 2022, the IAU has strictly prohibited naming stars after individuals.
You officially buy or name a star through NASA . NASA is a government space agency focused on research and exploration, not commercial star registries. how to buy a star nasa
When you "buy a star," you are essentially paying a private company to enter a name into their internal database and provide you with a gift package. NASA is a government space agency focused on
: These names are not recognized by NASA, the IAU, or the scientific community. Astronomers will continue to refer to the star by its official alphanumeric designation (e.g., HD 168746). Astronomers will continue to refer to the star
If you are looking to "buy a star" as a symbolic gift, you can use private commercial services. Here is how that process works and what to expect. How Symbolic Star Naming Works
If you decide to proceed with a symbolic gift, several retailers offer packages that include certificates and star-finding tools: Policies and Frequently Asked Questions - NASA