Star Ownership
It’s a question many people ask when they receive a star-naming gift:
Do I actually own a star?
The short answer: No - not in a legal or scientific sense. No individual, company, or government can claim ownership of a star or any celestial body. Outer space is considered international territory, protected by treaties like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prevents anyone from owning property beyond Earth.
So, what does naming a star really mean?
When you name a star through our service, you’re giving a symbolic and meaningful gift. The star’s name, coordinates, and registration details are recorded in a private registry like star-register.eu, where it’s stored permanently and can be looked up at any time.
It’s a beautiful way to honor someone, not an official form of ownership.
What about scientific recognition?
Only the International Astronomical Union (IAU) can officially name stars, and they do so strictly for scientific purposes using catalog numbers, not personal names. The IAU does not allow public naming and does not sell stars.
While you don’t own a star, naming one is a unique and emotional gift. It’s not about legal rights — it’s about marking a memory, a love, or a loss with something timeless.
Want to learn more?
- Can You Name a Star with IAU?
- Can You Buy a Star from NASA?
- Can you adopt a Celestial Object?
- Name a Star Gift
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