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"To be more precise, you can buy a "Star Name" or a "Star Name Registration" often as part of a gift package. No national or international legislation presumes ownership of a star itself."
We should be careful when we speak about such terms as “Buy a Star,” “Name a Star,” or even “Own a Star.” All of these can mean slightly different things. When trying to find a star naming service, these and many more search results appear. It can be confusing: What is the truth about buying a star in the sky?
In the following section, we'll clarify whether buying, naming, and owning a star are the same things and explore what it truly means to buy a star in the sky.
You cannot physically own a star because no national or international laws recognize such ownership. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 declares that space, including celestial bodies like stars, is the province of all humankind. This treaty prohibits any claims of sovereignty or ownership over outer space or celestial bodies.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of naming a star is the notion of ownership. Some might assume that naming a star grants them ownership, similar to owning a mobile phone, car, or apartment, with a deed or certificate as proof.
The reasons you cannot truly own a star are straightforward:
Ownership of celestial bodies is not possible, as they do not belong to anyone on planet Earth.
Stars are massive, burning spheres of gas and dust, not objects that can be owned.
No national or international laws recognize or grant ownership of stars.
However, you can purchase and own a Star Name and a Star Registration Certificate as part of a symbolic gesture or as a unique gift. The star name you purchase from star naming service providers will be recorded in a non-governmental, independent celestial name database, along with the issued registration number.
Read on to learn how to name a star for yourself and discover other important information related to star ownership.
Yes, the star naming service has been available for over 45 years and they are not selling ownership of a star but a star name. These services primarly are selling a beautiful gift package that you receive alongside with your star name registration.
These services are absolutely legal and there is nothing wrong about offering you to name a star. You should just keep in mind that you or anyone else cant own a star itslef.
If you want to understand how star naming works from a scientific perspective, it's important to note that it has nothing to do with commercial purposes. The only organization with the official capacity to name celestial bodies, including stars, is the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
IAU's naming conventions are designed to avoid confusion and ensure consistency within the scientific community. The IAU does not provide commercial star naming services, as their focus is strictly scientific. Any names they assign follow established guidelines meant to support research and education. If you're curious about why you can't buy and name a star through the IAU, read our article on this topic: Buy and Name a Star with IAU: Is that possible?
So, what are the steps to name a star, you might be wondering?
So, let’s say you want to make a memorable gift for your loved one and decide to name a star for them. Here is how the process typically works:
Find a Suitable Service Provider: Refer to this helpful guide, “Where to buy a star in 2024” to choose a reputable company.
Choose the Star Naming Gift Set: Customize your star naming certificate by selecting a star name, considering naming a star from a specific constellation, choosing its brightness, and adding a personal message. You can explore all available options here.
Place Your Order: Depending on the delivery method you choose, you may need to wait a few days or opt for an instant digital delivery to your email.
Receive Your Star Name Registration Certificate: Along with the certificate, you’ll receive other handouts and extras as part of your gift package.
In the next chapter, we’ll outline the seven main items you receive when you “buy” a star.
Lifetime Registration: Your star will be registered in the Star Name Catalog permanently, complete with a unique registration number.
Choice of Certificate Designs: Select from a variety of certificate designs to match your personal taste.
Elegant Gift Package: Receive a beautifully packaged set that includes the star naming certificate, a sky map, a certificate folder, a confirmation letter, and other related handouts.
Optional Extras: Customize your gift with additional items like an engraved star, a zodiac necklace, and more.
Visibility Assurance: Guarantee that your named star will be visible from your specified location
Mobile App Access: Use a mobile app to easily locate and track your star in the night sky.
Physical Ownership of the Star: You cannot own the physical star itself. Stars are distant, massive celestial bodies that cannot be possessed or controlled.
Recognition by the IAU (International Astronomical Union): The IAU is the official body responsible for naming celestial objects and uses a standardized system of codes for most stars. This system facilitates clear communication and research among astronomers globally. The names you receive from commercial star-naming services are not recognized by the IAU.
Legal Ownership Rights: Naming a star through a commercial service does not grant you any legal ownership or rights to the star. It is a symbolic gesture rather than a legal claim.
By now, you already know that you can name a star with any name you choose, but this does not give you a legal right to “own" the star. Now, continue reading to find out more about the legal aspects and to clarify whether the star registration services are legitimate.
Yes, it is absolutely legal to offer star naming services. If it were not allowed, you wouldn’t be able to find this article or use such services. However, questions about the legitimacy of these services often arise, such as: "Stars do not belong to anyone, so how can someone sell them?" Indeed, no one can sell actual ownership of a star. If someone claims otherwise, they are likely trying to mislead you.
No laws prohibit offering star naming services and recording names in independent, non-governmental databases. As long as you understand that star naming is symbolic and not scientifically recognized, these services are legitimate in delivering the product they advertise.
Major platforms like Google have strict policies against misleading or fraudulent practices. Similarly, PayPal guarantees a refund if you do not receive the service or product you were promised. Other major platforms used for sales and promotion also won't risk their reputation. This vigilance helps maintain the integrity of both online and physical services.
This is exactly how it should be. Customers need to be protected, whether they use an online service or a physical one.
Presence of PayPal Payment Option - As we discovered above, PayPal offers buyer protection, which can help you recover your money if something goes wrong with the transaction. PayPal's policies require businesses to meet certain standards, and their involvement helps safeguard customers against fraudulent activities.
Company Visibility on Google - The company can be found on Google means that the business is legitimate. Google actively monitors and removes listings for businesses that engage in misleading or dishonest practices. Thus, visibility on Google suggests that the company adheres to ethical practices and is not involved in scams.
Reviews on Trustpilot - Reviews on Trustpilot, an independent review platform, can indicate legitimacy. Trustpilot enforces strict policies to prevent fake reviews, so genuine customer feedback on this platform helps verify that the business operates transparently and provides the services it advertises.
Compliance with Laws - No laws or regulations prohibit the offering of star naming services, which confirms that such businesses are operating legally and within established regulations.
You can buy a star name; however, it's important to understand that you purchase a star naming certificate, not the star itself. No legal or physical ownership is transferred, as stars are beyond human ownership and can't truly belong to anyone.
Star naming services are legitimate and provide a personalized experience to buy a star name as a unique gift. Your named star is recorded in their databases and are not recognized by the scientific entities.
Reputable star naming companies often provide consumer protection through trusted platforms like PayPal and Google, ensuring that you receive the services and products as promised.
Before making a purchase decision, it's wise to read reviews on Trust Pilot, an independent review platform, to see what other customers say about the service provider.
When naming a star, you receive an attractively designed and packed certificate, often accompanied by various handouts and extras of your choice, and provided with tools like a mobile star map app.
Despite the fact that star naming doesn't grant ownership, it remains a popular and thoughtful gift choice. It offers a lasting keepsake with deep personal meaning, making it a memorable present for those who receive it.
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