Can You Buy a Star From NASA?

There is a lot of misunderstanding about whether or not you can buy a star from NASA. NASA is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a government organization that was founded in 1958. NASA is responsible for many great achievements, including multiple manned and unmanned missions to explore the moon, the launch and use of space stations, and the space shuttle program.

In its research and observation capacities, NASA is also responsible for discovering many stars, black holes, and celestial objects. Although astronomers all over the world contribute to the collective discovery of new planets and stars, NASA doesn't actually allow you to name your own star. You also can't buy a star through them or adopt a star through them, although some planetariums and observatories hold fundraising events which allow you to "adopt a star" through them. This is usually a way for them to receive financial support for their respective museums, and it can be a nice way to interest children in learning more about space and the stars by supporting a local planetarium.

When people are looking to buy a star through NASA, they are really searching for one of several private star registry services that allow people to adopt a star. But these private star registries aren't associated with NASA, so when you buy a star through them, this is a basically an "unofficial" adoption of that star.

If you buy a star from a star registry (which again, isn't NASA) you can be purchasing a nice gift for someone, even though that person will never actually "own" that star. Star registries usually provide a pretty star chart and certificate with information about one star in the skies, and this can be a great way to enhance a child's interest in studying space and stars. Many children already have telescopes and they enjoy looking at the moon, planets, and stars at night, and it can be a fun family activity to get the kids even more interested in looking for their particular star in the sky.

Some people also choose to adopt a star as a memorial for someone they have lost. If you have a beloved parent, sibling, or spouse who has passed on, naming a star in their honor can be a nice way to pay tribute to their memory and the positive impact that they have had on your life.

When it comes to romantic holidays like Valentine's Day, wedding anniversaries, or engagements, buying a star can make a thoughtful gift for a soulmate. When it comes to the magic of wooing, it's nice to come up with gifts that aren't so material but have more of a spiritual component to them. The sentiment of naming a star after someone can be very powerful and moving for the recipient. It can be a heart-based gift that is very different from purchasing jewelry or perfume, which have a different kind of appeal.

So while you can't actually buy a star from NASA, if you are interested in adopting a star in someone's honor, you can do so through a private star registry. Just don't expect NASA's astronauts to drop you off for a visit there the next time they are passing through that part of the galaxy.