Naming Stars and Other Astronomical Objects
Naming Stars and Other Astronomical Objects
The IAU frequently receives requests from people who want to buy or name stars (or any other astronomical object). Some commercial enterprises claim to offer such services for a fee. However, such "names" have no formal or official validity whatsoever.
Some bright stars have proper names, often with Arabic, Greek, or Latin etymologies (e.g., Vega). However, the vast majority of stars have alphanumeric designations consisting of an acronym plus either an index number or celestial position (e.g., HR 7001, 2MASS J18365633+3847012)
Echoes of the Sky: Cultural Star Names and the IAU
The IAU supports a Working Group on Star Names (WGSN) under Division C, which catalogs star names from various cultures and maintains a list of approved and unique proper names (e.g., Sirius, Proxima Centauri).
After investigating cultural star names worldwide, the WGSN may adopt new official IAU star names for stars currently lacking one, helping to preserve astronomical heritage while providing unique names for the international community. You can learn more on the IAU Star Names page.
Names for exoplanets and their host stars may also be approved by the IAU Executive Committee Working Group on the Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites, as was done for the NameExoWorlds contests in 2015, 2019, and 2022.
The IAU's Position on Commercial Star-Naming Services
As an international scientific organization, the IAU completely dissociates itself from the commercial practice of "selling" fictitious star names, surface feature names, or extraterrestrial real estate. The IAU does not maintain a list of the competing businesses that claim to offer such services. Those seeking to contact such enterprises should refer to commercial directories in their respective countries.
Some businesses have misleadingly suggested that the IAU is associated with, recognizes, or approves their activities. The IAU makes it clear that any such claims are false. If you come across unauthorized use of the IAU's name, please report it to us with supporting documentation.
Like many of the best things in life, the beauty of the night sky is not for sale—it is free for all to enjoy. While "buying" a star name may be a symbolic gift or contribute to a good cause, it does not grant legal ownership or recognition of the name. Despite these clarifications, the IAU continues to receive star-naming requests. If you have further questions, you can contact [email protected].
🌟 Ways to Connect With the Night Sky Without Naming a Star
For many, the desire to name a star comes from a deep emotional place—a way to honour someone special, mark a significant moment, or create a lasting connection with the universe. While stars already have official names and designations, there are beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate the cosmos and make it part of your story:
🔭 Join Your Local Astronomy Community
Astronomy clubs, planetariums, and observatories often hold stargazing events, talks, and activities that allow you to engage with the universe in a deeper way. You can meet people who share your passion, learn more about the stars, and even participate in real astronomical discoveries.
🌌 Find “Your” Star and Make It Yours
Even if stars already have official names, you can choose one that feels special to you. Use a sky map or an astronomy app to find a star that shines at the time and place of your important moment, and make it a tradition to observe it. Over time, that star will carry your story.
📖 Discover the Stories Behind the Stars
The stars have been named and celebrated by cultures all over the world. Instead of creating a new name, you can explore the rich traditions, myths, and scientific discoveries associated with the stars and constellations. Did you know that in Nāhuatl, Venus is called Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, meaning 'Lord of the House of Dawn'? Learning how different cultures have connected with the night sky for centuries is a beautiful way to deepen your own relationship with it.
🎨 Create Your Own Cosmic Tribute
Stars have inspired poets, musicians, and artists for millennia. Why not create your own tribute? Write a poem, compose a song, paint a celestial scene, or even name a project, book, or artwork after the star that means something to you. Creativity allows us to leave a mark as lasting as the stars themselves.
🌍 Support Astronomy and Space Exploration
If you want to honour someone in a meaningful way, consider supporting initiatives that bring astronomy to schools, communities, and future generations. Many observatories, planetariums, and educational programmes rely on public support to inspire new generations of stargazers and scientists.
🔎 Take Part in Citizen Science Projects
You don’t have to be a professional astronomer to contribute to real discoveries. There are incredible projects where anyone can help identify exoplanets, track asteroids, or even classify galaxies. Some initiatives to explore include NASA’s Citizen Science Projects, Globe at Night, and Galaxy Zoo.
🌠 Explore Astronomy Through Language
Languages shape the way we see the universe. Some cultures describe celestial objects differently, highlighting aspects that Western astronomy often overlooks. You could explore how different languages talk about the sky or even learn an astronomical term from an originating culture.
✨ Share the Sky With Others
Perhaps the most meaningful way to celebrate a star is to share it. Host a stargazing night with friends and family, tell stories about the constellations, or simply take a moment to admire the vastness of the universe with someone you love. The night sky belongs to all of us.