Giving a star dedication: what you actually purchase

Here is the service without shortcuts, so you can decide whether it is right for you before spending anything.

A real star, a private dedication

A verifiable astronomical reference is kept distinct from your personal words.

The short answer

There are two separate things: a real celestial object identified by catalogue data, and your symbolic dedication made of a chosen name, date and words.

The A Star For You Private Registry retains the association. You purchase this service and the content listed in your selected offer—nothing more or less.

Do you buy or own the star?

No. The contract does not transfer ownership of a celestial object.

The gift’s value lies in your words and their connection to a precise, verifiable point in the sky—not in ownership that the service cannot grant.

Is the chosen name recognised by astronomers?

No. The chosen name is retained only in the A Star For You Private Registry. It does not replace the scientific identifier or become an official astronomical designation.

The documents show the chosen dedication name beside the catalogue identifier without confusing them.

What does the certificate represent?

It records the private dedication, available astronomical data and verification code. It is not a title of ownership or an act of scientific naming.

Consumer rights arise from the order, confirmation and terms of sale.

Data, content and verification

See where the data comes from, what each offer includes and how the dedication can be checked.

Is the star real?

Yes. Each dedication is connected to a real star with a catalogue identifier and coordinates that can be checked independently.

The data source is SIMBAD, maintained by the Strasbourg astronomical data centre. Using this public source does not mean it endorses the commercial service.

What you receive

The currently purchasable offers appear below with their prices and specific included content. Complete English catalogue translations are required before an offer is shown here.

  • View all included content

    Included with this offer

    • Dedication certificate with the chosen name, date, message, scientific star identifier and verification code.
    • Sky map calculated for the dedication date and place.
    • Observation guide explaining when and where to look and which instrument may be useful.
    • QR verification code so the recipient can independently check the dedication.
    • Digital delivery normally available within minutes of payment confirmation.
  • View all included content

    Included with this offer

    • Dedication certificate with the chosen name, date, message, scientific star identifier and verification code.
    • Sky map calculated for the dedication date and place.
    • Observation guide explaining when and where to look and which instrument may be useful.
    • QR verification code so the recipient can independently check the dedication.
    • Digital delivery normally available within minutes of payment confirmation.
  • View all included content

    Included with this offer

    • Personalised memorial document
    • Connected real catalogue star and sky map
    • Private verification code

How to verify the dedication

The certificate includes scientific identification, coordinates, constellation, a unique code and QR code.

The public page shows only what the selected privacy level allows and never exposes email addresses, prices or private order data.

Costs, visibility and protections

Readable prices, realistic expectations and remedies suited to each situation.

Will the star be visible?

Naked-eye visibility is not guaranteed.

It depends on brightness, season, location, horizon, light pollution, weather and equipment. Observation guidance provides context without promising an outcome.

Check before you choose

A practical checklist and direct links to primary sources.

Checklist before purchase

Use these questions with any star-dedication service, including this one.

  • Does it explain exactly what is sold and what is not?
  • Can the catalogue identifier and coordinates be checked elsewhere?
  • Is the chosen name clearly described as private rather than scientific?
  • Are all included items and the VAT-inclusive total shown before payment?
  • Are seller details, terms, privacy and support easy to find?
  • Are visibility limits, sources and remedies stated clearly?

Sources and review

The primary sources below link directly to their publishers. This page is reviewed whenever relevant content, sources or commercial conditions change.

Last reviewed:

Primary sources

  • SIMBAD Astronomical Database

    CDS, Université de Strasbourg

    Official description of the database and its astronomical object identifiers.

  • FAQ: Can I buy a star?

    International Astronomical Union

    The astronomical organisation’s position on commercial star-naming services.