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Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to International Star Registry, the original star naming company! We have been naming stars for people since 1979. Celebrities, dignitaries, royalty and people all over the world have used our services to buy a star for friends and family. Name a star for someone special.
How can I buy a star?
1. International Star Registry will select a special star in the sky and record your Star Name and Star Date for you.
2. You will receive a star naming package that includes a beautiful parchment Star Certificate, a Sky Chart with your name, and the star's coordinates.
3. When you name a star it will be permanently recorded in Your Place in the Cosmos, the only published listing of named stars in the world! Each volume is copyrighted in the United States of America and available for purchase for future generations to refer to and enjoy.
Flowers, cards, and candy are nice; when you name a star for a loved one, your gift will stand the test of time. When you buy a star from us, you will be purchasing an unforgettable gift that you can share forever.
Browse our site to discover the different star naming kits we have available and place your order today!
General
Q: Can I place an order for a name a star gift online?
A: Yes. You may name a star by clicking HERE.
Q: Can I place an order or ask a question by phone?
A: Yes. Please call 1-800-282-3333. Our customer service personnel are happy to help.
Q: Can I buy a star?
A: No, you cannot buy a star and we do not sell stars, but you can name a star after someone special. Once you name a star, it is named forever. We publish the all of the names of the stars in the astronomical compendium Your Place in the Cosmos©, which is registered in the U.S. Copyright Office. This celestial catalog created by International Star Registry is the only published listing of named stars in the world.
Q: How much does it cost to buy a star package?
A: The cost of naming a star is $54 plus shipping and handling. This includes the standard unframed International Star Registry unframed Custom Star Kit. Your gift package will include the name of the star on a lovely 12" x 16" parchment certificate of record, a large sky chart with the location of the star indicated, a booklet about astronomy, and a letter of congratulations. When you name a star you can also select custom framing options and beautiful package add-ons for an additional fee. Naming star is a perfect gift for Birthdays, Christmas and Holiday gifts, Valentine’s Day, Memorials, Baby Gifts, Graduations, Weddings, Anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and surprising anyone who deserves to be a star!
Q: Will the scientific community recognize my star name?
A: No. This is not a scientific listing of the stars and the scientific community will not use these star names. The purpose of our listing is to honor a loved one with a gift that it truly out of this world. Our catalog of star names in not intended for scientific use. In 1919, The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was established with the objective is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy. For scientific uniformity, it is the only body that names celestial objects for scientific use, which it does very infrequently. We believe the stars overhead do not belong solely to the scientific community, but to everyone. We offer our service services as a unique gift idea. The names of stars are recorded in our book Your Place in the Cosmos© which is published and registered with the US Copyright Office. Like other published works, by publishing the star names with their location we preserve the record for future reference by our descendants for generations to come.
Q: If I am not satisfied when I buy a star package, can I return the product?
A: Yes. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your product for a full refund, minus shipping. We want you to appreciate our products and if you are not happy, then we are not happy.
Q: Can I order by Mail?
A: Sure. Download our order form from here or call us and we will be glad to mail an order form to you. Fill in the order form and return it to the address listed along with your payment. We will process your order and send it to you or to the recipient you choose.
Product
Q: Can I get a duplicate copy of my chart and certificate?
A: Absolutely. When you buy a star package we keep your star’s name and coordinates on file so you can order additional copies, framed or unframed, at any time. Just contact us at 1-800-282-3333 and we can help.
Q: Can I get a Gift Enclosure Card included in the package?
A: Yes. With each gift package you purchase, you can give us a special gift message. We will print your message on an attractive gift card and include it with your name a star gift
Q: What Gift Packages are available?
A: We provide three basic package options. The Custom Star Kit package includes the name of the star on a lovely 12" x 16" parchment certificate of record, a large sky chart with the location of the star indicated, a booklet about astronomy, and a letter of congratulations this option is unframed. The Deluxe Star Kit is like a Custom Star Kit, but you have a choice of custom framing options for the Star Registry certificate. Your certificate will be beautifully matted and framed. A convenient wallet sized data card is also included. The Ultimate Star Kit is like the Deluxe Star Kit, but the sky chart indicating the name of the star and the star’s location is professionally framed to match the certificate as well. Please visit our Star Package Overview page for more information.
Q: What other personalized products are available?
A: You can see our products HERE. When you buy a star package you can order additional package items at any time. These include a photographic sky chart, engraved sterling silver items with the name of the star, our engraved silver Christmas star ornament, and the next edition of the astronomical compendium Your Place in the Cosmos©, which is registered in the U.S. Copyright Office and published every few years, this hardcover book is a permanent record of the names of stars with their telescopic coordinates.
Star Package
Q: What Gift Packages are available?
A: When you buy a star package you can select a Custom Star Kit, a Deluxe Star Kit, or an Ultimate Star Kit. Each package contains an International Star Registry Certificate with the star name, the location of the star, and the dedication date. A Sky Chart with the location of the star indicated, and an informative booklet on astronomy. When you name a star and order the Deluxe package, the Certificate is beautifully matted and framed. If you select the Ultimate Package, both the Certificate and the Chart are framed. Please visit our Star Package Overview page for more information.
Q: When I name a star after someone, can I pick where the star is located?
A: You may select any constellation you like. Zodiac signs are very popular. There are also many other constellations familiar to avid stargazers! If you cannot choose a constellation, don’t despair, we will be happy to select a constellation for you viewable from your location.
Q: Can I request my star to be located in a specific area?
A: Sure, our staff is always happy to help. Please email our Customer Service or phone us at 1-800-282-3333 for assistance. When ordering online, you may indicate your preference in the field marked “Ship Notes”
Q: Can I name a star near another star I have named?
A: Yes. If you provide us with information about the other star, we can select a star that is nearby. Please email our Customer Service or phone us at 1-800-282-3333 for assistance
Q: Can a star be named twice?
A: No. We derive all of the coordinates for the stars we name from the Hubble Guide Star Catalog, a database containing many millions of stars. We select the brightest star unnamed star available in a constellation. That star is then moved to our master database for publication along with the name of the star. Once a star has been named, we will never name it again.
Q: How long will the star be named?
A: By publishing all of the names of stars with their telescopic coordinates, we have selected the most enduring method of recordation available. Each star name is permanently recorded in our book Your Place in the Cosmos©. The book is registered with the US Copyright Office and a copy of the book is stored in a vault in Switzerland. Additionally, we maintain your name in our database in perpetuity.
Q: Is my Star Name recognized by astronomers?
A: No, our catalog of star names in not intended for scientific use. Astronomers do not use the names we assign to the stars. In 1919, The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was established with the objective is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy. For scientific uniformity, it is the only body that names celestial objects for scientific use, which it does very infrequently. We believe the stars overhead do not belong solely to the scientific community, but to everyone.We offer our service services as a unique gift idea. The names of stars are recorded in our book Your Place in the Cosmos© and the book is published and registered with the US Copyright Office
Q: My package was damaged. Can it be replaced?
A: Yes. If you package was damaged during the original shipment, we will send a replacement package at no charge. Your star name will always be on file. If the package is damaged or lost at a later date, we can replace your documents for a modest charge. Call us at 1-800-282-3333 or email Customer Service for assistance.
Q: What star names can I use?
A: Most stars are given the name of the person or people you wish to honor. We also see many creative names and nicknames that have special meaning for the buyer and honoree. You can name a star almost anything you wish, but we have a few restrictions. The star names can only be 35 spaces long. Also the star names must conform to our Decency Policy which states that the name cannot be obscene or vulgar. Except for these restrictions, you can name a star whatever you wish.
Ordering
Q: Can I buy a star package online?
A: Yes. You may name a star by clicking HERE.
Q: When I name a star, will you email an Order Confirmation?
A: Yes. We will send an order confirmation with your order number to the email address you provide and a second email when your order is complete. If you do not receive an order confirmation, please check your spam folder and then contact Customer Service or call us at call us at 1-800-282-3333 for assistance. We will be glad to check your order’s status and solve any outstanding problems, or verify that your order is correct and being processed.
Q: I didn't receive an order confirmation. Why not?
A: Please check your spam folder. If you still do not locate it we are happy to help, please call us at 1-800-282-3333 or email Customer Servicefor assistance.
Q: I didn’t receive an order confirmation? My address is [email protected].
A: Some email addresses are protected by firewalls that prevent the receipt of emails from unknown sources. Please call our office for order confirmation.
Q: Can order by phone?
A: Yes. Call 1-800-282-3333. Our operators will be happy to assist you.
Web Order
Q: Can I name a star online?
A: Yes. You may name a star by clicking HERE.
Phone Order
Q: Can I name a star by phone?
A: Yes. Please call 1-800-282-3333. Our operators will be happy to assist you.
Payments
Q: Can I buy a star package and pay by check?
A: Yes. We will hold your order until we receive your check. Once your check has been received, we will record the star name and sent your exclusive Star Registry® package.
Q: Can I order a star package C.O.D
A: No, like other companies, we do not send our personalized items C.O.D.
Q: Can name a star using my credit card or PayPal?
A: Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Pay Pal.
Shipment
Q: When I buy a star package, when can I expect to receive it?
A: Most packages are shipped via USPS and are usually received in the continental US within 5-12 business days. You can also call our office at (800)282-3333 AFTER your order is processed, or email [email protected] to receive a PDF of your package via email. We have express overnight or 2nd day shipping available if you would like to receive your name a star package more quickly
Q: I want to know how to buy a star package for someone overseas, when will the material arrive?
A: Star packages shipped from the US take from 4 to 14 business days to arrive, depending on the location, customs, and other possible variables. You can also call our office at (800)282-3333 AFTER your order is processed email [email protected] to receive a PDF of your package via email. International Star Registry is a truly international company. We have offices located in Canada, Australia, Asia, and Europe that may be able to deliver to you faster. Please visit our affiliate page for a list of our partners.
Q: Can you ship my name a star gift directly to the recipient?
A: Yes. We can ship your package where you specify. If you order several items, we can ship each item wherever you wish. An International Star Registry gift enclosure card can be included at no charge. Please indicate how you would like to have the card signed.
Q: Once I adopt a star, can you ship my registration materials overseas?
A: Yes. We can ship your package to over 140 countries worldwide.
Q: I am not in the US. Do you have offices that are closer to me?
A: We are the International Star Registry World Headquarters. We have affiliates around the world. Please see our affiliate page for a list of our partners.
Q: What does the S/H mean?
A: S/H refers to "Shipping and Handling".
Stars
Q: Is there a Constellation that is visible from Australia and the US?
A: Yes, when you name a star after someone, there are many terrific choices viewable from both the US and residents in the Southern Hemisphere. You may choose to name a star in the recipient’s zodiac sign or choose from many equatorial constellations, including Canis Major, Orion, Lepus, Monoceros, Aquila, and Ophiuchus. Residents of Canada and Northern Europe may have difficulty finding some of these constellations along the southern horizon. We recommend the constellation Orion for them, since the bright stars of the belt make the constellation easy to locate.
Q: What is the Visual Magnitude and where do I find it?
A: The visual magnitude of the star you name is a measure of that star’s brightness. Magnitude is listed as a value between -2 and +30 with higher numbers for dimmer stars. The human eye can only see stars brighter than magnitude 6. We will never rename a star once it has been named for someone special. For viewing, you will need to be in a dark area, away from light pollution, and use binoculars or a telescope to identify the star you have named in the sky. You may also email Customer Service and we can send you a link to find your star online using “Worldwide Telescope”. The names of the stars and the visual magnitude are printed on every International Star Registry star chart.
Q: What Gift Packages are available?
A: We provide three basic package options. The Custom Star Kit package includes the name of the star on a lovely 12" x 16" International Star Registry® parchment certificate of record, a large sky chart with the location of the star indicated, a booklet about astronomy, and a letter of congratulations this option is unframed. The Deluxe Star Kit includes all of the components of the Star Registry® Custom Star Kit, but you have a choice of custom framing options for the International Star Registry certificate. Your certificate will be beautifully matted and framed. A convenient wallet sized data card is also included. The Ultimate Star Kit is similar to the Deluxe Star Kit, but both the certificate AND the sky chart indicating the name of the star and the star’s location is professionally framed to match the certificate as well. Please visit our Star Package Overview page for more information.
Q: When can I see my star?
A: Viewing times for the stars vary according to the constellation. Please call our office at (800)282-3333 or email Customer Service. We will be glad to help you with your questions or at least steer you in the right direction!
Q: Can I name a star that I can see it with the naked eye?
A: The human eye can only see stars brighter than magnitude 6. Every star is unique and we will never rename a star once it has been named for someone special. You will be naming a star that can be viewed using a telescope or binoculars. You may also email Customer Service and we can send you a link to find your star online using “Worldwide Telescope”. The precise telescopic coordinates, the names of the stars and the visual magnitude are printed on every International Star Registry star chart.
Q: How do I locate my star?
A: The precise telescopic coordinates, the names of the stars and the visual magnitude are printed on every International Star Registry star chart. You may also email Customer Service and we can send you a link to find your star online using “Worldwide Telescope”.
Q: Do you have an online list of star names?
A: Yes, you may find stars named after 2003 at http://www.starregistry.com/namestars/. You can find named stars at www.yourplaceinthecosmos.com. You can also receive additional online search information by emailing Customer Service. We publish record all of the star names in the book, Your Place in the Cosmos. You may contact Customer Service to find out which volume your recorded star name appears in.
