Questions

Yes. Every star we name is a real star from the Hipparcos catalogue compiled by the European Space Agency. Its coordinates, brightness and Hipparcos number are printed on the certificate, so anyone can find it in a stargazing app or through a telescope.

No, and no company can sell an official star name. Official names are given only by the International Astronomical Union. Your name is recorded in the Your Star Above register, and we will never name that star again. It's a keepsake, and we say so on every certificate.

Standard stars are mostly too faint to see without binoculars, though a small telescope or good binoculars will show them. Choose the bright star option if you want one that can be seen with the naked eye from somewhere dark.

You choose the constellation. We then pick a star in it that has never been named in our register. Every star is only ever named once.

Each certificate and message card has a QR code that opens the star's own page on yourstarabove.com. From there, tap 'Find it in the sky with your phone': our free sky viewer uses your camera, compass and location to show the stars over the camera view and points you to the named star. Apps such as Stellarium also work if you search for its Hipparcos number.

A print of the whole sky above a place you choose, at a date and time you choose, worked out from real star positions. It shows the stars, the constellation lines and the moon in its true phase if it was above the horizon.

Your night sky engraved into a clear acrylic panel that slots into a wooden LED base. Light shines through the edge of the acrylic so the engraved stars glow. It runs from USB and comes with a cable.

150 mm stars laser cut from white oak or clear acrylic and engraved with the name, the date, a chart of the constellation and the star's coordinates. The acrylic star comes with a small stand.

Digital stars are ready within minutes, usually as soon as payment goes through. Printed and engraved gifts are made within 2 working days and then sent by Royal Mail: 2nd class is free (2 to 3 working days) or Tracked 24 costs £4.95 (1 to 2 working days). We only deliver within the UK at the moment.

Get in touch as quickly as you can. If we haven't made your gift yet we can change it. Once a star is registered and made, the name can't be changed, so please check spelling before paying.

Because every gift is personalised and made to order, it can't be returned for a change of mind. If something arrives damaged, or we've made a mistake, we'll remake it or refund you. Just contact us with your order number.

Many people name a star in memory of someone. Choose 'In memory' as the occasion and the message card is worded gently. You can use any date that matters, including a date in the past.

We're a small UK business in Leicestershire. Every certificate, print and engraving is produced by us here.