Star naming service

If you'd like, let me know:

• The occasion (birthday, memorial, anniversary)
• Whether you prefer a physical gift package or a quick digital delivery

I can help you select the exact service that fits your presentation goals and budget.

1. International Star Registry — established gift option

This is probably the one I'd investigate first if your goal is a physical, sentimental gift. It has operated since 1979 and says it maintains a published catalog, Your Place in the Cosmos, recording its customer-assigned names and coordinates. Importantly, its own FAQ acknowledges that these names aren't used by scientists or NASA.www.starregistry.com+1

Packages currently start around $29.95 digitally and $59 for a printed package, according to its site.www.starregistry.com+1

2. Online Star Register — more digital/interactive

OSR focuses more heavily on the online experience. Its package includes a personalized star page, and it has a Star Finder app that lets you locate your registered star in the sky.www.osr.org

That could be particularly nice if the recipient would actually enjoy using an app to find the star rather than just receiving a certificate.

3. IAU — the genuinely official route

The IAU is the important one if your concern is “Will this name actually be recognized by astronomy?” Its Working Group on Star Names maintains the official catalog, and in 2026 it announced 59 newly adopted star names after cultural and astronomical review.www.iau.org

But you cannot pay the IAU to name a star after someone. Its official position is that commercial star-naming services aren't part of the IAU system.iauarchive.eso.org

My practical takeaway

If this is a gift or memorial, I'd choose a registry based on the experience you want:

• 🎁 Physical certificate / traditional keepsake: International Star Registry
• 📱 Interactive digital experience / finding the star: Online Star Register
• 🔭 Actual astronomical legitimacy: Don't purchase a commercial name; use an officially recognized IAU star name or consider making a donation to an astronomy organization in someone's honor.

One thing I'd not do is pay a premium because a company claims its name is “official,” “NASA recognized,” or “IAU registered.” Those claims conflict with the IAU's stated position.iauarchive.eso.org

If you tell me who you're naming the star for (romantic partner, child, memorial, wedding, etc.) and roughly your budget, I can compare the current packages and show you which offers the nicest certificate, star-finding tools, and permanence.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you looking for a physical gift kit to unwrap or a fast digital-only certificate?
• Do you have a specific constellation in mind?

I can help you compare pricing and package options for these services.

⭐ My recommendation: Star Name Registry

Star Name Registry

• Trustpilot: 4.5/5 from 31,000+ reviews, with 85% of reviews being 5-star.www.trustpilot.com+2
• Offers personalized certificates, star maps, presentation/gift sets, and digital options.
• Reviews frequently praise the presentation quality, ease of ordering, and sentimental value.www.trustpilot.com+2
• There are some complaints about shipping delays, so I'd order ahead if this is for a specific occasion.www.trustpilot.com+2

A close alternative

International Star Registry has the longest-established brand among these services—it says it pioneered the concept in 1979—and has an A+ BBB rating. internationalstarregistry.comwww.bbb.org However, its Trustpilot score is only 2.8/5 from 9 reviews, so I would personally choose Star Name Registry today based on the much larger body of customer feedback.www.trustpilot.com

Important: Star naming is a novelty/gift service, not an official astronomical designation. The scientific community does not recognize privately purchased star names; the company maintains its own registry.www.bbb.org

Bottom line: For a romantic, memorial, birthday, or anniversary gift, I'd go with Star Name Registry for the strongest combination of customer ratings and presentation.

If you tell me who the star is for and your budget (e.g. $30, $50, $100+), I can also recommend the best specific package.

Popular commercial options include:

• Star Registration — Offers basic to premium personalized star-naming gift sets.
• Star Name Registry US — Provides framed certificate packages and customized star charts.
• Star Naming — Sells standard registry packages complete with coordinates and charts.[iauoutreach.org](https://starregister.org/)

Prices typically range from $30 to $100+ depending on whether you want a digital package, a printed certificate, or a framed gift box.[iauoutreach.org](https://starregister.org/)

If you're looking at this as a gift, tell me the occasion (birthday, memorial, anniversary) or your budget , and I can help you decide if a novelty registry kit is the right fit or suggest alternative astronomical gifts!

If you meant literally purchasing a piece of a star (meteorite, star-themed jewelry, etc.), tell me what you have in mind and I can find options.