Сan You Buy a Star In The Sky? Debunking Myths

Did you ever think that the romantic phrase: “I’ll give you a star, my love,” could become a reality? In the 21st century, we can buy almost anything, but does it apply to the luminaries in the sky? Can you buy a star or give it as a gift, and how legal is it? This article will break down the myths about buying stars.

Can You Buy a Star for Someone Or For Yourself?

Yes, you can “buy” it for yourself or as a gift for someone. A number of commercial companies have been offering this service since 1970! For a few dozen or hundreds of dollars, you will be given a certificate of stellar ownership and even have the star name, which you yourself will give, written on it. 

The bad news is that you won’t find this name in any of the official catalogues or the best stargazing apps, and the certificate itself will be just a nice-looking piece of paper without any legal force. Let’s find out why.

When You Buy a Star, Do You Actually Own It?

Is buying a star legitimate? No. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty states that space is the property of all mankind and is explored in the interests of all countries, not individuals or states. That is, no one has the right to take a star or other astronomical object in possession for personal use.

When it comes to naming stars, the only body that has the official authority to do so is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). And it generally does so using scientific codes and numbers rather than names, allowing astronomers to accurately identify and discuss objects. The IAU’s position is quite clear: “As an international scientific organisation, the IAU distances itself entirely from the commercial practice of ‘selling’ fictitious stellar names, naming planetary relief, or real estate on other planets or satellites of the Solar System.”

But how can you buy a star and name it then? The answer is simple. Commercial companies offering to “buy” a luminary are actually selling symbolic certificates and stellar maps, and these documents have no legal or scientific value. Only the company where you bought the star itself can recognise your rights and mark it in its internal catalogue, for example, in “Your Place in the Cosmos” by International Star Registry. In practice, if “your” star or, for example, a land lot on the Moon (which, by the way, are also actively sold), suddenly turns out to have another “owner,” no court will be able to confirm or challenge your or another person’s ownership rights.

However, companies where can you buy a star are completely legal because they do not claim to officially assign or rename astronomical objects and, thus, do not violate the International Outer Space Treaty or conflict with the IAU powers. Such sellers clearly indicate that their services are purely symbolic in nature, and their ownership certificates or stellar names are not official documents with legal force.

What Is the Point of Buying a Star If You Don’t Own It?

Why waste money on a dud, pragmatists will say, and, in their own way, they will be right. But romantics will disagree. Buying a luminary can have a strong symbolic and emotional meaning. Such a gift will surely be a pleasant surprise for your loved one because it’s hard to come up with a more touching and romantic way to express your feelings. It will also be a great way to symbolise an eternal connection and commemorate a person or an important event.

Although no one will officially recognise your purchase, and you will have no right to own the astronomic object, every time you look at the night sky, you or your loved one will think that your luminary is shining there. Isn’t that charming?

How to Buy a Star: Step-by-step Guide

So, you have decided to buy a luminary for yourself or for someone important to you. Where can you buy a star and how to do it?

1. Choose a company: Several reliable sellers have been in the market for a long time and enjoy a good reputation. For example, International Star Registry, CosmoNova или Online Star Register.
2. Choose a package: Different companies offer different packages. You can choose standard luminaries, Zodiac ones, double stars (two next to each other), or even supernovas. Packages often include a certificate, stellar chart, and other personalised items.
3. Pick a name: This can be the name of a loved one, a special event, or any meaningful word.
4. Place an order: Fill in the required details on the company’s website, including the chosen name, star type, and make the payment.
5. Get a certificate and stellar chart: Some companies offer digital copies immediately, but physical copies can take a few days to create.
6. Voila, now you have your personal luminary or a gift for someone. Use proven stargazing apps and find it in the night sky.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Real Star?

The cost of “buying” stars varies depending on the company and the package chosen. Here is a rough price range:

• Basic packages: Typically start at $30 to $50. Include a certificate and stellar chart.
• Medium packages: $50 to $100. Include a certificate, personalized message, and a more detailed sky map.
• Premium packages: from $100 and up, a certificate and a detailed stellar map come with a telescope, a VR kit, or a luxury gift box.

For example, CosmoNova offers packages starting at $34.90, and Online Star Register has options starting at $29.

Does NASA Sell Stars?

NASA’s primary purpose is scientific exploration of space and the universe. So, if NASA were to trade in stars, it would at least look odd. Fortunately, it doesn’t. The agency is very careful about maintaining ethical standards, so it doesn’t engage in commercial activities that could mislead the public or be misinterpreted, including selling fake stellar certificates.

A Star For a Star! 

Still looking for a way to officially buy a star? As long as the 1967 International Outer Space Treaty is in effect and no other law is created, you won’t be able to do this. However, there is progress in this direction.

According to a law recently passed in the US, resources mined on asteroids become the property of the person who mined them once they are delivered to Earth. That means that someday, in dozens or hundreds of years, we might be able to buy ourselves a small asteroid or a satellite, but it’ll unlikely be a good place to relax.

As for stars, there is always a chance that the IAU will name a luminary after you if you are worthy of it. After all, there are the stars of Barnard, Copernicus, Cervantes, or the English King Charles I. In short, become a star on Earth to get a personal luminary in the sky. Don’t want to complicate things? Now you know how you can buy a star in a matter of minutes from the comfort of your home.

References and Additional Information:

• Buying Stars and Star Names https://www.iau.org/public/themes/buying_star_names/
• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A STAR https://starregister.org/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-star.php
• How can I buy a star https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question7.html
• Buy a star in the sky https://cosmonova.org/