How To Buy Your Own Star May 2026

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

Located within a specific, recognizable constellation. how to buy your own star

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). They will continue to refer to the star

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. A showing the exact coordinates (Right Ascension and

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.

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