The answer to this question is simple: You can buy a star from commercial gift service providers that have a star naming database. If you believe you can buy a star from scientific bodies like NASA or IAU, then No, you cannot. See detailed articles on these subjects in our articles Buy a Star from NASA: Can you do that? and Buy and Name a Star with IAU: Is that possible?
The only question remains: What is the best site to buy a star, and which service provider should I choose?
It is hard to choose one given various places to buy a star. It is hard to evaluate which service provider suits you most and which websites you should avoid at all costs. No worries, though; a comprehensive and easy-to-use analysis has been made to help you out!
The Best Site to Buy a Star
Definitely, the things that are important to star buyers can differ. One might prefer a good-looking gift package, while others could be looking for the best prices, an easy purchasing process, or even fast delivery. There is much more than that, so the comparison considers everything possibly crucial to a customer.
Aspects evaluated are:
The gift package and what it includes
Overall pricing and possible hidden costs
Delivery options, speed, and pricing
Verified Customer reviews
Ability to find your star after purchase
Gift customization and enhancement options
Unique products offered
Website and purchasing process
Analyzed points are only the things that stand out, either positively or negatively. If some of the matters evaluated are of average quality, that won't be mentioned. The websites will be listed in order from worst to best.
Evaluation Icons Explained
Unique offers that others do not have.
A positive aspect that others might lack.
A negative aspect, be cautious.
A very negative aspect, think twice.
Verified reviews from real customers on Trustpilot
1Star Registration / Starregistration.net
4.5
A well-designed and unique Star Finder will allow you quickly locate your star online and in the night sky, depending on your location and current time.
Each physical package includes the electronic delivery of digital files.
The only website to provide you with tracked shipping delivery options at a reasonable price. Regular post that takes ages is not in use.
You have 24 hours to get a full refund for your electronic delivery package in case you change your mind.
Electronic files can be edited as many times as you wish, free of charge.
Decent Trustpilot overall score.
Free of charge editing your electronic files if you made a mistake.
Free shipping available.
You have 6 different certificate designs to choose from.
Easy to use website.
You have a wide variety of payment methods to choose from.
Packages do not include additional handouts if you want more than a certificate and a star map.
Comparing Starregistration.Net with other websites seems to be the best and most flexible service provider. You get a good value for the money. There are no hidden costs, and the policy is very flexible with refunds. Also, you get free electronic files and unlimited edits. Finally, there is a spectacular Star Finder software for you to find your star in the night sky!
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A unique 3D web software to view your star online in style!
The only website that offers physical gift cards.
Physical packages include electronic delivery also.
You will get a rich package with various additional handouts.
Free shipping with a regular post.
A great app that will help you locate your star in the night sky.
You cannot select your star type (for example, a double star). Also, you cannot choose the brightness degree, so it is impossible to know whether the star will be visible and what brightness you are getting.
An average review score on Trustpilot.
Express shipping to the US is 49$ and around 20$ in Europe.
You cannot select 2 or more copies as a backup for your documents.
Constellation is randomly picked if you do not choose one. Make sure it is visible in your area since it does not consider your location.
OSR got a great gift package with various items included. They have nicely designed physical gift cards! Also, they have an online 3D software to see the star online and a good app. However, the cost for Express delivery to the US is very high. It is not possible to get additional document copies. You cannot select your star type or a star brightness, so it might not be visible in your area. The only found reviews are not too good.
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3Star Name Registry / Star-name-registry.org
Fine gift packages with various handouts. You can also pick a gift box and star atlas.
Free economy shipping is available to various countries. See your case.
A website has comfortable navigation.
A good Trustpilot overall score.
Hidden costs: Additional charge if you want to get your documents electronically.
Mobile App shows Google sky map, which is is not interactive and just a static and blurry image from space. You will not be able to find your star in the night sky in real life.
If you do not pay additionally to select a specific constellation, then the constellation is assigned randomly without considering your location.
You can select an extra bright star, but there is no information on its brightness and whether it is possible to see that.
The good thing about SNR is its gift packages and nice gift boxes. Also, they offer free economy shipping to some locations. However, you will be charged extra for getting digital files as a backup. Also, it will be challenging to find your star without any interactive software. Finally, you need to pay extra to get a star in a specific constellation because a random constellation might not be visible in your area.
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A unique chance to get premium packaging boxes and Led boxes. This, however, would cost you around 400$ but is an excellent option if going for something unique.
Good looking certificates with various designs available.
A website is easy to use and place an order.
Hidden costs: Physical package will cost you 10$ additionally. You will find out only when you will have your information entered.
There is no mobile app, just static blurry images from space, so you won't be able to find your star in the night sky.
Trustpilot score is not among the best ones.
Express delivery to the US is 34$ (and to many other countries) and will take up to 6 business days.
You can only select Zodiac constellations, not the other ones.
English speakers can only shop in US dollars.
Cosmonova stands out with their premium and led box offers, which can be an excellent opportunity for those who want to spend extra but get some really unique products. Express delivery costs are pretty high in the US. There is no mobile app or any interactive online star finder, so you won't be able to find your star in the night sky. You will be required to spend extra to get a hard copy. You might consider registering your star with this website if you are interested in these extra things.
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You can place an order via phone call.
Unique items: Hand-lettered Calligraphy, sky images, custom engraved jewelry.
No mobile app or any other star-finding tools. You won't be able to find your star.
You cannot get digital files or simply have e-mail delivery only.
In the US: 11$ for economy delivery, 24$ for express delivery. Outside the US, the delivery can be up to 50$. 3-4 days order processing time.
Cheapest option is 54$. Framing will cost you an additional 50$.
Process of ordering is complex. You have to explicitly decline various additional features.
Trustpilot review score is very low.
It is hard to understand the packages and how they differ, only the pricing.
No other payments than PayPal and cards.
No live chat support. Only E-mailing is possible.
The good thing about this company is that they offer unique things like hand-lettered calligraphy and custom engraved jewelry if you are interested. Otherwise: Delivery costs are very high. Entry price product is the most expensive on the market, and framing is complicated. You won't have many options to find your star apart from the observatory. In general, the negatives massively outweigh the positives.
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You get a good gift package with various items.
Website is nicely made and easy to use. Also comfortable to compare packages.
A good Trustpilot review rating.
Hidden Costs: While the cheapest package is 29$, you will soon be required to pay an additional 60$ for a hard copy, which would amount to roughly 90$ for the cheapest physical package.
They claim they are NASA, IAU, and Harvard partners. A worrying signal.
After naming a star, you get a voucher to buy land on a moon. A worrying signal 2.
Shipping is 18 working days. There is no express delivery available.
Mobile App shows Google sky map, which is not interactive and just a static and blurry image from space. You will not be able to find your star in the night sky in real life.
No refunds for digital products. If you change your mind or the recipient is unhappy, you won't get your money back.
You cannot get your certificate framed. There are also no other additional extras.
Documents come in a fragile envelope and can be damaged easily.
No live chat support. Only E-mailing is possible.
You can only checkout using a card. No other payment methods are supported.
We recommend thinking twice before purchasing here. First, the company lies about being partners of scientific bodies. Second, The packages have hidden costs and eventually are the most expensive products on the market. Third, you would get the slowest delivery speed, harsh refund terms, and no additional options for the package. Star finding experience will be wrong.
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Economy shipping is Free in US and CANADA.
Additional certificate hard copy costs only 1$.
Shipping to Europe will cost you from 55$ to 70$
No verified reviews could be found on Trustpilot.
You cannot preview what your certificate will look like.
Arguably, worst-looking certificates.
No mobile app or any other tool to look for a star.
No registry listed. Unclear where the star is registered.
For some reason, a limited amount of constellations.
The only option to pay is using a credit card.
The only positive aspect of purchasing here is free economy shipping in US and Canada and costs for additional certificate documents copies. The rest of the aspects dictate to stay away from this service provider.
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Final Words
Hopefully, this comprehensive comparison will help you find and decide on the best place to buy a star. At this point, you should be aware of all the parameters and things that can be important to look for when choosing your service provider. Now you just need to decide what matters the most to you and choose the one that suits you best. You also have all the tools to go and verify the information provided if you have any doubts.
Note: Some data might change over time. Please, let us know if you find any significant inconsistencies, so we can update this guide to help other readers!
Conclusions
- You should first determine the best site and service provider when buying a star.
- To find the best place to buy a star, you should consider various factors.
- One of the most critical factors is understanding the quality and content of the gift package. You should also look for additional free products the service provider offers.
- Another factor to consider is the pricing and any hidden costs.
- It is essential to inspect delivery options and pricing.
- It is critical to find out the offered tools to find your star in the night sky if any.
- It is vital to access verified reviews from other customers.
- The best place to buy a star is the one that has most of the mentioned aspects being acceptable or positive.
Based on many factors, the best site with the best value for money to buy a star is starregistration.net.
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FAQs
Where to Buy a Star? An Honest Overview? ›
The best site to buy a star is starregistration.net because the website offers the best value for the money.
What is the legit site for naming a star? ›Can you Buy a Star? No, star names can not be “sold.” Only the International Astronomical Union officially names stars. Some stars have names passed down through the ages. Most stars named by the IAU simply have numbers and coordinates.
What website is the best to buy a star from? ›- Star-Registration.com. Visibility. ...
- Star Naming. At Star Naming, there is a choice of three different models to buy a star, each in a price range of 40 to 100 USD. ...
- Online Star Register. Visibility. ...
- Star Name Registry. ...
- Starregister.
The International Astronomical Union is the only organization in the planet who is recognized as the official source for assigning names to stars and all other celestial objects. The IAU was founded in 1919 and is formed by astronomers from all around the world. 79 countries are currently members of the IAU.
Is buying a star name legit? ›There is no place where you can purchase a star. There are a few businesses which claim to sell or name stars, but the names they give are not recognized by anyone in the scientific community. Stars are named by the International Astronomical Union, headquartered in Paris, France.
Is there really a star registry? ›Since its founding, the International Star Registry has catalogued individual stars using coordinate data. It previously used data from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Star Catalog, before switching to using data from the NASA Star Guide, which allowed them to locate stars down to the 16th magnitude.
Is star Naming Registry legit? ›The IAU frequently receives requests from individuals who want to buy stars or name stars (or any other astronomical object). Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee. However, such "names" have no formal or official validity whatsoever.
How to buy a star name and price? ›When you buy a star, we offer a variety of packages to choose from that meets everyone's budget. Our prices range from $19.95 to over $100. Our star registry provides a unique service; all our packages include your star name and special message of dedication that are launched into space on a real mission.
How expensive is it to buy a star? ›In general, simply naming a standard star will cost roughly $50. When you log in to the website dedicated to selling stars, they will show you the exact position of the star in the sky. Most websites use Google Sky to help you locate the star.
Does NASA sell stars? ›You cannot buy a star from NASA or name it NASA because NASA is a scientific organization in charge of space exploration. NASA does not sell or name stars because of different reasons. First, it is a scientific, not a commercial institution. Second, it is a US-based, not an international organization.
Is there a database of stars? ›
The NASA Star and Exoplanet Database (NStED) is an on-line astronomical stellar and exoplanet catalog and data service that collates and cross-correlates astronomical data and information on exoplanets and their host stars.
Is adopting a star legit? ›The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has their own take on this subject for those who desire to buy a star. "Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee," the IAU explains on its website (opens in new tab). "However, such 'names' have no formal or official validity whatsoever.
What is the most accurate personalized star map? ›GreaterSkies custom star maps remain unmatched for accuracy and level of detail. Unlike some other star charts that only show major stars, our maps show 7,000 to 8,000 stars, the constellations and the Solar System planets. At any time of day or night, for past or future dates, anywhere on earth.
How can I give a star a name for free? ›Staracle® International Star Directory
Pick a star for your location or your zodiac. Staracle is the most popular free registry. Our star registration is as legit as if you pay. A wonderful gift: Only a free star comes from the heart.
To buy a star gift is widely considered one of the most original and heartfelt gifts. The symbol of a star carries great value amongst human beings. It reminds us of the possible eternity of our lives and the vastness of the universe.
How long does star registry take? ›All orders are processed within 1 hour of being received. This means most customers wait less than 48 hours before receiving their orders by email. Our optional printed and shipped orders are processed even quicker and normally take 5 days to arrive.
How long does star name registry take to deliver? ›Your Digital Star is delivered to your email within 18h.
Can I buy my friend a star? ›You can buy a Name a Star gift and present it to friends, relatives, or loved ones for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, retirement, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other occasion. This is a special and unique gift that can be enjoyed every time you look up at the night sky.
How much money is it to buy the world? ›While the planet is valuable, it isn't exactly priceless. Or that is what one astrophysicist will have us believe. If humans were to sell the Earth off, Greg Laughlin, an assistant professor from the University of California, estimated the Earth's price to be $5 quadrillion.
How many coins do you need to buy a star? ›They are most often found at Star Spaces. Once a Star is bought, its Star Space moves to another location. Traditionally, 20 coins are required to pay for these Stars, but some of the more recent titles in the series feature unique ways for acquiring these precious items.
Can you buy pieces of stars? ›
The International Astronomical Union is the only institution authorized to name stars, but you can unofficially buy a star and give it a special name.
How does adopting a star work? ›Star adoption is a process where you can claim a name for a real star in the night sky, which is then recorded in the star catalog. When you adopt a star, you don't only buy an entry in the database, but you also create a permanent bond with the universe.
Can you name a star after someone NASA? ›The International Astronomical Union is the only OFFICIAL agency which names stars and other celestial objects. There are standardized rules for how objects get their names. None of these rules involve the exchange of cash!
What is the largest database of stars? ›The Hipparcos catalog is the largest collection of high-accuracy stellar positional data, particularly parallaxes, which makes it useful as a starting point for stellar distance data.
How many stars still exist? ›Using the Milky Way as our model, we can multiply the number of stars in a typical galaxy (100 billion) by the number of galaxies in the universe (2 trillion). The answer is an absolutely astounding number. There are approximately 200 billion trillion stars in the universe. Or, to put it another way, 200 sextillion.
How many stars have been registered? ›How many stars can be named? Currently there are over 2 million stars within the database for the online register, and 100,000 have currently assigned names.
Is stars on Facebook legit? ›It's original content created exclusively for Facebook. It follows our Content Monetization Policies and creates real engagement with viewers. Facebook reviews and approves each creator before they're able to enable Stars on their profile.
What is the best star chart? ›The Cambridge Star Atlas is a classic, and well worth its reputation as one of the most comprehensive and reliable star atlases available.
How accurate are star charts? ›Star Chart can only accurately draw the Night Sky if it knows the current UTC time. This is something your device will provide to Star Chart if your device system time is set accurately. So please ensure your device is set to the right local time in your device settings.
What is the most popular star used for navigation? ›Since the first mariners braved the open ocean, the North Star has served as a reliable beacon to guide them home. The North Star, also called Polaris, is located almost directly above the North Pole and does not change position in the sky.
Have a star named after a loved one? ›
With a memorial star, we offer a unique Name a Star package that includes your personal tribute message. Your Memorial Star will be recorded in the official Name a Star Record Book, maintained by Name a Star since 1978. All of our Memorial Stars are placed in a constellation that is visible all year round.
What do you say when naming a star after someone? ›- My love there are not enough stars in the sky to shine down upon you and reflect the love I have for you..
- Grandma and Grandpa love you so much. ...
- Your leadership. ...
- This star was named for you, to honor my favorite shining star. ...
- Happy Birthday Dad!
Star Finder App
Enter in your unique star ID that is found on your Name A Star certificate into the Star Register on the App to find it's exact location in the night sky. Follow the instructions on the App to get started! Find Your Star App is available on Apple and Android devices.
Facebook Stars is a feature that allows you to monetize your stream. Viewers can buy Stars and send them to you while you're streaming. Fans can also send animated, virtual gifts attached to different Star amounts that will appear in your stream. For every Star you receive, we will pay you $0.01 USD.
How do I find my star on the international star registry? ›To find your star in the Star Register and via our 'Find My Star' app for iOS and Android, you'll only need the 7-9 digit unique star reference number from the top of your certificate or your order confirmation email.
How much does it cost to legally Name a Star? ›In general, simply naming a standard star will cost roughly $50. When you log in to the website dedicated to selling stars, they will show you the exact position of the star in the sky.
How much is it to buy a star and name it NASA? ›When you buy a star, we offer a variety of packages to choose from that meets everyone's budget. Our prices range from $19.95 to over $100. Our star registry provides a unique service; all our packages include your star name and special message of dedication that are launched into space on a real mission.
How do you buy a star and name it after yourself? ›So, no, although it is possible to name a star after someone, you cannot legitimately buy a star. IAU, which stands for The International Astronomical Union, has the sole right to truly name a star and there is actually a rather specific process behind that.
How much money is 1,000 stars on Facebook? ›For every Star you receive, we will pay you $0.01 USD. You will be alerted in chat when a viewers sends you Stars.
How much money is 200 stars on Facebook? ›Each Stars are worth $0.01.
Where to buy fb stars? ›
- Tap next to Write a comment...
- Your balance of Stars will be displayed in the top right.
- Tap next to your Stars balance to purchase additional Stars.
- Select the pack of Stars you'd like to buy (example: 250 Stars).
- Follow the prompts from the App or Google Play Store.
- Tap Done.
Gain basic access to the STARS Reporting Tool. There is no cost to register, however you will need to sign up for a free AASHE user account. Any college or university may participate.
What makes someone a star? ›It makes so much sense to refer to certain kinds of celebrities as “stars.” At their heights, those people inspire the rest of us. They shine, larger than life, above us, and around us. They suggest, in their insistent omnipresence, a certain order to the world.