Read this before you pay! In recent years, private (and legally constituted) companies have been offering to name stars for a price. Many people have taken up this offer, often for very personal reasons.

The Astronomical Society of Australia in no way condones this practice.

Although it may sound disappointing, these names are not, and never will be, used by astronomers.

Names of astronomical bodies are approved by the International Astronomical Union - the world body of professional astronomers. These are the names that astronomers use and that appear in scientific and popular literature.

A 'bought' name is kept on record only by a company which has been willing to accept money in exchange for an impressive-looking certificate and star chart showing the location of the chosen star. There is, therefore, nothing to stop different companies 'selling' the same star to different people.

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