How do you buy a star?

Question

I want to buy a star and get it named after someone for their birthday but I have no idea how. I've seen a few websites but I don't want to pay for it to find out it was a scam so I want to know like an official website or organization.... Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You can't officially buy a star.  You can buy a pretty piece of paper that looks official and says you own a star.  But that is all it is---a pretty piece of paper.  

I suggest that instead of a star, you purchase a membership in a local astronomy club or Astronomical Society.  You will get so much more for your investment.

Answer 2

You cannot legally own or name a star.

The only way you can own a star is if you can get there yourself, and defend it.

Even then the scientists wouldnt let you use your name because they'd be pissed at you for not taking them with you.

Answer 3

you go to the star shop

Answer 4

Most of the places that offer to sell stars, an acre or two on the moon, or any other outlandish claim are mostly scams. Clearly you have no way to confirm ownership except the piece of paper "they" handed you, but no one really owns those places, so obviously you can't buy them.

The only naming of stars we can do is in our backyard.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

They are all scams...a bunch of BS. I bet the star that you buy is going to be Billy's star, Susie's star, Alan's star, Krissy's star....because they all got sold that same star...and the person who sold you it will be laughing all the way to the bank...literally.

Try other nice birthday presents...if you are looking for something original to do for this person then think up something creative and go for it, and have another gift just in case.

Answer 6

There are NO LEGITIMATE web-sites/organizations etc. that sell star names.  Official names are selected by scientists and groups such as the IAU and the IPS; these are the only names the scientific community recognizes, and these names are never "sold".  

Check out the link below.  

If you "buy" a star, you're simply giving your money away.

Answer 7

You can't.  The only organization that can legally name stars is the International Astronomical Union, and they don't name them after people.  There are plenty of websites that will 'sell' you a star, but it's for 'entertainment purposes only' - not official or legal.  And they've sold all the ones you can see without a professional telescope years ago.  

Yes, it's a scam.  Don't bother.  Also, if the person you were thinking of getting it for is into astronomy, chances are they already know it's not legal and would be embarrassed by you spending your money on it.  I know I would be if my relatives ever tried that.