Can You Name a Constellation?

In a time of unlimited choices, where "the sky is the limit" to opportunities, you can even buy a star and name it for yourself or a loved one in the night sky.

Many people often search for an opportunity to buy and name an entire constellation. Unfortunately, this isn't possible. In this article, we'll explain why that's the case. However, the good news is that you can still name a star, or even a pair of stars (known as binary stars), in any of the 88 constellations of your choice.

While you cannot officially name or buy a constellation, naming a star within one can be one of the most romantic and meaningful gifts you could give to a loved one on special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or any significant event.

Continue reading to discover more about constellations and get an insight into how you can name a star in the constellation if you wish.

Can I Buy a Constellation?

Constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky. They have held immense significance in astronomy for centuries, guiding explorers, inspiring myths, and being a foundation of many ancient calendars. 

Today, there are 88 recognized constellations, and their names have been established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). These names are fixed and have been standardized for scientific consistency and global understanding. For a deeper understanding of constellations and their historical and astronomical significance, visit our comprehensive Constellation Guide.

Naming a Constellation

A constellation differs fundamentally from the individual stars that form it. While the stars are unique celestial bodies, constellations are conceptual patterns made up of many stars. Some well-known constellations include Orion, Ursa Major, and Cassiopeia.

It is not possible for anyone to name a constellation for themselves because the names of constellations have been standardized by the IAU to maintain uniformity. This standardization helps to avoid confusion and ensures effective communication within the scientific community worldwide. Naming conventions also play a critical role in preserving the historical and cultural legacy associated with these constellations.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Constellation?

It is important to understand that a constellation is not something that can be purchased or renamed. Constellations have hundreds, sometimes thousands, of stars, and their identities are deeply rooted in history and scientific observation.

The International Astronomical Union set the standard for constellation names in the 20th century, and these names cannot be altered. However, you still have an option to name an individual star in a constellation of your choice.

The cost of naming a star within a constellation starts at $50 for digital delivery. Packages that include physical items such as a certificate, star map, confirmation letter, sky atlas, and a beautiful gift folder start from $65. Regardless of the package, you'll also receive access to our Star Finder app to easily locate your named star in the night sky.

Choosing the Perfect Constellation to Name a Star In

Did you know that depending on your location on Earth constellations appear differently? Earth rotates and faces various directions towards Space, which means that depending on our geographical location, we view the sky from different angles. For instance constellations visible in norther hemisphere might not be visible in southern and the other way around. 

Label Stars allows you to name a star in any of the 88 constellations, and we always ensure that the star is visible from your location. The process is simple:

1. Choose a package type and select the constellation where your star will reside.

2. Select the brightness of the star (regular, bright, or very bright).

3. Provide your location so we can ensure the star will be visible.

Don't worry if you're not familiar with constellations visible in your area - we can choose the one based on your location to guarantee visibility.

At this point, you might question why you must choose a constellation if we can do it for you. It's that simple - choosing a specific constellation for your star makes the gift even more personal! Imagine the excitement of giving a loved one a star, for example, in their zodiac constellation or a constellation that holds special significance.

If you are still curious about the main factors that define the visibility of stars in the constellation, read further, as we have briefly described them in the next section.

Factors that Impact Constellation Visibility

1. Latitude
Your distance from the equator significantly affects which constellations are visible. Higher latitude countries, such as Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, offer more visibility to certain constellations. However, regardless of where you are, there are always plenty of constellations visible in the night sky.
 
The visibility of constellations changes with the seasons due to Earth's orbit around the Sun. As our planet moves along its orbital path, the night sky faces different parts of space, bringing various constellations into view. For example, during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, constellations like Orion are prominent, while in the summer, constellations such as Cygnus take center stage.

Additionally, Earth's axial tilt means that as it leans towards or away from the Sun, different stars become visible. This means that constellations change not only throughout the year but also depending on whether it’s winter or summer in your region.

2. Light Pollution

City lights can significantly diminish the visibility of stars and constellations. To experience the night sky at its best, it's recommended to find a location away from city lights, where light pollution is minimal.

3. Weather Conditions

Weather is another major factor - clouds can obscure the stars, just like curtains in a theater. The atmospheric clarity and humidity levels also impact visibility, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out to stargaze. Clear skies and low humidity are key to a successful stargazing experience.

At this point, we have learned that weather, latitude, light pollution, and seasons are the main factors that determine a constellation's visibility. To learn more about constellations, head to our Constellation Guide, where we have listed all 88 constellations, their visibility by season, the brightest star in each, and much more.

Conclusions

• Unfortunately, you cannot name a constellation, as all the names are officially established by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) to maintain consistency and avoid confusion in celestial naming.

• While you can't name a constellation, you can name a star within any of these constellations. There are 88 constellations in total, each with its own unique story and significance, and naming a star within one of these can make a meaningful and personal gift.

• Naming a star within a specific constellation starts at $50 for a digital package and from $65 for packages that include physical items such as certificates, star maps, and more.

• Each constellation's visibility in the sky changes based on your geographical location.

• The four key factors that influence a constellation's visibility are latitude, season, light pollution, and weather.