How to Buy a Star

Want one of these?

Tom Cruise got one from Nicole Kidman. Winona Ryder even bought one for Johnny Depp. Join the stars (no pun intended), and consider dedicating a star to a loved one. Dedicating a star to a loved one can be an everlasting, unique, and personal gift. This gift has certainly outlasted the celebrity relationships listed above.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or Phone
• Internet Connection
• Credit Card, Check, or Pay Pal

Instructions

Instructions

1. Start at the International Star Registry. The ISR has named hundreds and thousands of stars since 1979. They've served various customers including celebrities, politicians, and royalty. Visit their website online (see source below), call 1-800-282-3333 to speak to a representative, or download a PDF from their website and order from mail.

2. Choose a gift package. According to the ISR, the packages start at $54. The basic package includes the following: a specially selected star, star name record, and star date. Included are the following: a 12x16 personalized certificate made of parchment, a personalized sky chart with the receiver's name and the star's coordinates, and an informational book on astronomy. The ISR also publishes all names in "Your Place in the Cosmos", which is registered through the U.S. Copyright Office.

3. Decide what to name the star. Name the star in honor of the receiver or a name with special meaning. The maximum characters for a star name are 35.

4. Decide on a dedication date. The ISR calls this a "Star Date". It is a commemorative date assigned to the gift. It can be the gift date or any other special date.

5. Depending on the occasion, decide if the included letter should be a commemorative letter or a memorial letter.

6. Decide what constellation the star is to be in. Choose a specific constellation or even a constellation based on the receiver's birthday zodiac.

7. Order the star. There are three ways to order the star. Call a representative, mail a PDF order form, or place an order online. Give the receiver's shipping address, a billing Address" and a preferred shipping Method. Select a payment option. Pay with a credit card, check, gift certificate, or Paypal.

Tips & Warnings

• Contrary to popular belief, a star can't be bought. The ISR does not own stars. Instead, it allows a dedication of a star.

• The scientific community does not recognize ISR's star names. The ISR has received some heat in the past for its marketing of naming stars. Truth is, the International Astronomical Union is the only legitimate scientific organization that is actually authorized to name stars. The stars will still be recognized in ISR's registry "Your Place in the Cosmos".

Resources

• International Star Registry
• Wired Magazine