How to Name a Star: The Official 2026 Guide (NASA vs. Private Registries)
Naming a star is one of the most popular gifts in the world, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. If you are looking to name a star for a loved one, you probably have questions: Is it official? Will NASA use my name? Can I see it?
In this guide, we cut through the noise and explain exactly how star naming works, the difference between scientific and symbolic registries, and how to ensure your gift shines forever.
Can You "Officially" Name a Star?
If you're looking to name a star for a loved one, you probably have questions: Is it official? Will NASA use my name? Can I actually see it? The short answer is: it depends on what you mean by "official."
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the only body that names stars for scientific usage. These names are usually alphanumeric coordinates (like HD 140283) used by astronomers. They do not sell naming rights to the public.
Private registries maintain public databases of symbolic star names. While astronomers won't use your name to calculate black hole trajectories, the name is recorded in a published registry and serves as a permanent, symbolic gift.
Think of it like naming a pet. You don't need the government's permission to name your dog "Rover," and that name is real and meaningful to you and your family—even if it doesn't appear on a government census.
NASA vs. The IAU vs. Star Registries
Many people think they're buying a star from NASA. This is a myth. Here's the breakdown of who actually controls the sky:
| Organization | Role | Can You Buy a Name? |
|---|---|---|
| NASA | Explores space, launches rockets | No NASA has zero authority to name stars |
| The IAU | The "Science Police" for naming celestial bodies | No They name based on scientific rules, not gifts |
| Star-Registration.com | A private registry for symbolic gifts | Yes We assign a visible star to your chosen name |
How to Buy a Star (And Not Get Scammed)
Not all star naming services are created equal. Since the industry is unregulated, some companies sell stars that aren't even visible to the naked eye. If you're going to buy a star, ensure your provider offers these three non-negotiables:
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Visibility Guarantee
Never buy a "blind" star. Ensure the service only assigns stars visible from your specific location so you can actually see it at night.
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The "Find-It" Tool
A certificate is nice, but finding the star is better. Look for a provider with a dedicated Augmented Reality (AR) App that guides your phone to your star's exact position.
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Transparency
Avoid companies claiming to be "affiliated with NASA." Look for a company that is honest about the symbolic nature of the gift.
Why Name a Star if It's Not for Science?
If astronomers won't use the name, why do millions of people do it? Because meaning is subjective.
When you name a star after a late parent, a newborn child, or a partner, you aren't doing it for a scientist in a lab coat. You're doing it to create a shared moment.
You're creating a physical anchor in the night sky that says: "I love you," or "I remember you." Every time the recipient looks up, they see that light and think of you. That connection is real—regardless of what a scientific catalog says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forever. Once registered, your star name is permanently recorded in our database and included in the published registry. The star itself will continue to shine for billions of years.
Yes, on all of our star-naming packages you get to choose the country from which your star will be visible. We use your location to select a star that never dips below the horizon in your region (circumpolar stars).
Packages typically range from $30 to $100 depending on the brightness of the star and the framing options.