How do you Buy a Star?

For those who wish to name a star the International Star Registry (ISR) provides a platform where individuals can symbolically ‘buy’ a star. This process, available through www.starregistry.com, doesn’t mean literal ownership of a star but allows a person to link a chosen name to a star. 

To do this, you need to visit the ISR’s website and peruse the various packages offered. These packages differ by contents, price, and the keepsakes provided you can add. These items include a parchment certificate indicating the coordinates of the star and the constellation it belongs to, and a detailed sky chart pinpointing the location of your star. 

Once you’ve selected your preferred package and completed the payment process, you’ll have the opportunity to provide the name you wish to associate with a star. This name will then be included in the book ‘Your Place in the Cosmos’, a unique publication by ISR. It’s worth noting that this volume is the only copyrighted catalogue of star names worldwide, with its copyright registered at the U.S. Copyright Office. However, this copyright is specific to the publication, not the individual star names, which do not receive official scientific recognition. 

Nonetheless, the act of naming a star carries immense sentimental value, and many people use it as a special way to honor loved ones or commemorate significant milestones. 

For additional insights into the cosmos, Wikipedia is a great resource with a wealth of articles about stars, constellations, and other celestial phenomena. 

In conclusion, while you can’t literally purchase a star, ISR offers you a meaningful way to form a connection with a star by associating it with a chosen name.  

Sources: 

• Starregistry.com 
• Wikipedia: Star Naming 
• U.S. Copyright Office 
• International Astronomical Union