How Much Does It Cost to Name a Star?

Since the primordial mists of time, humans have looked up to the stars.

At first, we were dazzled and started attaching meaning to these fascinating objects. In our eyes, they offer a glimpse into the vastness of the universe and its eternal nature.

Modern technology has helped reach even new heights. It enabled us to observe stars closer than ever before. Not only that, but it brought forth a trend of naming and buying stars.

Yes, these luminous spheres can serve as heartfelt gifts, timeless testaments to particular facets of life. You can, for example, awe your significant other— you’re light-years and yet just a few clicks away.

So, let’s figure out how much it costs to name a star and what you need to do to make it happen.

Gleaming Diamonds in the Sky

Buying a star online is the most common way to name it.

The Online Star Register (OSR) comes to mind first as a go-to hub for all things stellar.

The private company has named 2 million stars since its founding in 1979. It keeps a database of all the stars relative to our planet. You can use smartphone apps to browse their collection and take your pick.

Apart from OSR, other services and commercial providers open the stairway to heaven.

So, do your homework and compare the gift packages. The main objective at this stage is to confirm the company is legitimate and to be trusted.

How Much Does It Cost to Name a Star?

You might be surprised that a star can be quite an affordable gift.

Most providers feature prices in the $20 to $100 range. The median price is probably somewhere around $50. That being said, the costs vary wildly from company to company.

Various factors influence these swings. For example, a Zodiac constellation star is often more expensive, as it comes with a special package. Likewise, brighter stars are pricier than their less-shiny counterparts.

One thing to remember is that spending more money doesn’t account for much. It certainly doesn’t make the act of naming more authentic or the star more valuable. Therefore, be careful not to get lured into overspending.

Reaching for the Stars

Now that you know what to expect in terms of costs, it’s necessary to follow the proper procedure.

Each star is identifiable by a string of coordinates and characters. In addition, they refer to longitude, magnitude (brightness), constellation, and other characteristics.

While informative, names like these are devoid of any personality. The good news is we can correct that by coming up with our names.

We must underline that naming a star doesn’t mean owning it. It’s not yet possible for the richest among the rich. You change its original name.

So, in a way, your purchase isn’t “official” but more of a symbolic act. The name you settled on will not pop up anywhere else other than the listing of a company you choose.

On a brighter note, you have the freedom to name a star anything you want. For example, it’s common to name a star after a loved one and let it serve your ever-present guardian.

There are also ways to personalize the star further. You can, for instance, add a personal message to the recipient of the gift pack. In addition, some companies give you a chance to add the engravings of a star to the physical gift.

A Cosmic Spectrum of Choice

Stars come in various forms.

Three main varieties are standard stars, Binary stars, or ones that are part of a constellation. Get familiar with these basic terms to make a well-educated decision. Binary stars, for example, are popular with couples because they revolve around each other.

Moving on, notice star registration is linked to a unique star code. This is to say you don’t have to worry whether the name itself is remarkable. Depending on the language, the character limit varies but is usually set around 20.

The code also allows you to look up your star via a dedicated app and possibly experience it in stunning 3D rendering. Many websites also use Google Sky to show the star’s exact location.

Another element you need to be aware of is star date. The default option is the day of the naming, although it can be any point in time, past or future. So naturally, people tend to choose dates that mean something to them.

They seek to commemorate special occasions, persons, and events that define them.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Some people make a buying decision based on the visibility and prominence of the star.

Namely, you might be able to spot stars with simple instruments. For instance, binoculars allow you to observe stars that are at least magnitude 10. Below that threshold, you would have to use a telescope.

As for stars, we can see with the naked eye. There are only a few thousand of them. They are most likely already named and possibly multiple times too.

Finally, remember that knowing major constellations helps you pinpoint the star you (want) to name. You may pick the star visible from your hemisphere or a star that belongs to one of the 12 zodiac constellations.

In any event, the interstellar rush is underway, so take action sooner rather than later. The alternative would be to become an astronomer and discover a new star. That’s a tall order if we ever saw one.

A Match Made in Heaven

Naming a star is the second best thing to owning or bringing it down to earth.

But, you may be a few steps away from materializing your dreams. Knowing how much it costs to name a star is the first one. You then want to do your research and uncover the object that resonates with you.

And rest assured, you’re not spending money on some generic rock in the sky. Instead, you can personalize the star by choosing a star name and date, and constellation. Such objects not only brighten up the heavens but also our mood.

So, try to make the act of naming meaningful and impactful. Then, enjoy magic moments of stargazing with your particular person.

Check out other posts from our blog to discover some more interesting topics and tips.


Yvan Lebrun
Yvan Lebrun

Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.

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