Naming a star – Understanding Recognition and Authority
For centuries, people have looked to the night sky for inspiration, memory, and connection. Today, one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate someone is by dedicating a star in their honor. But one of the most common questions people ask is: is naming a star legitimate? Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about recognition, authority, and the lasting symbolism of naming a star.
Is buying or naming a star for someone legitimate?
Yes! Naming a star is a symbolic gesture, and millions of people worldwide have chosen it as a heartfelt way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or memorials. The dedication is recorded in a catalog of named stars maintained by International Star Registry. You’ll receive keepsakes like a certificate and star chart to commemorate the occasion. While it’s not part of official astronomy, it is very much a legitimate and treasured gift experience.
👉 Learn more about how to buy a star
Can a person officially own a star by buying it?
No one can legally “own” stars or celestial bodies. What you purchase is the symbolic naming of a star — a way to link someone’s name or memory with a specific star in the night sky. It’s similar to other symbolic gestures like dedicating a park bench or sponsoring a brick at a monument. The value is in the meaning and the record of your dedication.
👉 See what’s included in a star package
Is the name chosen officially recognized by astronomers?
Astronomers use catalog numbers to identify stars for research, not personal names. That means your dedication won’t be part of official scientific records, but it will live forever in the catalog of International Star Registry. For gift-giving, the emotional value far outweighs the technical difference.
👉 Read our FAQ about official recognition
Who is the official authority for naming stars?
In science, the official authority is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). They assign designations for clarity and research purposes. In the world of gifting, the original company, founded in 1979, continues to maintain the world’s most recognized catalog of named stars.
👉 Discover the history of star naming
What are the official names of stars used by scientists?
Scientists typically identify stars by catalog numbers such as HR 7001 or HD 48915. Only a small handful of stars, like Sirius or Betelgeuse, have traditional names, but these names may differ from the names assigned by different cultures throughout the world. Your personal dedication adds a meaningful layer to the scientific catalog.
👉 Choose a star in your favorite constellation
Is the International Astronomical Union (IAU) involved in the commercial naming of stars?
No. The IAU is focused on scientific work and does not participate in commercial services. That’s why commercial star naming is symbolic — it creates a personal dedication separate from astronomy.
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What is the purpose of the IAU’s system for naming stars?
The IAU’s goal is to make communication among scientists clear and consistent. Imagine how confusing research would be if every star had multiple personal names! That’s why scientists use catalog numbers — while individuals use commercial star-naming services to create personal dedications.
👉 See how star coordinates are used
Do names given through commercial services appear in scientific catalogs?
No. Scientific catalogs remain unchanged, but your chosen name is entered into a published record of star dedications that preserves it for posterity. It’s like having your own special entry in a permanent record — a unique keepsake rather than a scientific tool.
👉 View details about our published star catalogs
Will NASA recognize the name purchased?
NASA uses official astronomical data, not symbolic dedications, so they won’t adopt your chosen name. However, NASA and other space agencies often highlight the wonder of stargazing — the very experience that makes naming a star so special.
👉 Read our FAQ on recognition
Do star-naming companies have the authority to sell star names?
Star-naming companies don’t sell stars themselves — Only International Star Registry creates a permanent published catalog of unique names stars. They provide the service of recording a symbolic name for a star and producing keepsakes that make your dedication last a lifetime. It’s a legally sound and cherished way to mark a memory.
👉 Explore star gift options
Final Thoughts
Naming a star is both legitimate and meaningful. While it isn’t part of official astronomy, it creates a symbolic dedication that can comfort families, celebrate milestones, and create memories that last forever. The science of stars may belong to astronomers, but the meaning of stars belongs to everyone who looks up at the night sky and feels inspired.
👉 Get started with your own star dedication today
