Small gestures, lasting memories
Buying or naming a star: what the certificate means
The expression “buy a star” generally refers to a commercial gift, not the acquisition of a star. To make an informed choice, separate the personalized document, the entry in a private registry and the names used in astronomy. These three elements do not have the same scope.
A symbolic dedication in our private register.
What your purchase actually personalises
A commercial dedication associates your words and a chosen name with a star identified in the seller’s catalogue. At Starry Memory, the gift includes a digital certificate and guide, with attribution in its private registry after payment and assignment are confirmed. The amount pays for this product and service; it does not constitute the price of the celestial body. A certificate number serves to identify the document issued by the company, without making it a cosmic title of ownership.
The scientific designation remains unchanged
The International Astronomical Union distinguishes astronomical designations from names sold commercially. A paid dedication does not modify the scientific catalogues and does not obtain recognition from the IAU. The American Astronomical Society also points out that the names proposed by these companies are not recognized by the scientific community. Your personal name can therefore have emotional value while remaining limited to the private service that displays it. Starry Memory is not affiliated with the IAU.
Questions to answer before paying
Check the product received, the amount displayed, the availability conditions and the digital or physical nature of the offer. Ask what possible exclusivity means: it can only concern the seller's register, without preventing another company from dedicating the same star. Also check the published data and access to the final document. Promises of personal discovery, official ownership, financial value, or visibility everywhere do not come from a certificate. An honest gift can remain poetic as long as the recipient understands this symbolic significance.
Words to make your own
This star keeps its scientific designation; the certificate carries the words I wanted to share with you.
A symbol for our story, with a real catalogue reference to help us keep exploring the sky.
Before preparing your gift
- Identify precisely the document and service purchased.
- Check that the private name is not presented as official.
- Read the exact scope of any announced exclusivity.
- Check price, format, confidentiality and file access.