How long does it take to name a star?
Last updated 21 October 2026
The short answer
| Digital Gift Pack (£9.99) | Physical Gift Pack (£19.99) | |
|---|---|---|
| Star allocated | Automatically when payment is confirmed | Automatically when payment is confirmed |
| Documents | By email within minutes, any hour of any day | The digital set by email within minutes; the printed pack posted within one working day |
| Where | Worldwide | Free in the UK; Europe and worldwide with the charge shown at checkout |
What happens after you pay
- Payment is confirmed by Shopify's checkout.
- A real star is allocated from the constellation you chose — one that has never been dedicated — and written into the register with the name and message you gave. Nobody has to be awake for this; it runs by itself.
- Your email arrives with links to the star page, the five documents to print, and the e-gift reveal to send. In practice that is usually within a minute or two.
- For the Physical Gift Pack, the five documents are printed on fine cream stock, sealed and posted within one working day by Royal Mail.
Dates that matter
| Occasion | Order the Physical Gift Pack by |
|---|---|
| Christmas 2026 | Friday 18 December 2026 (see Christmas) |
| Valentine's Day, Sun 14 Feb 2027 | Monday 8 February 2027 |
| Mothering Sunday, 7 Mar 2027 | Monday 1 March 2027 |
| Father's Day, Sun 20 Jun 2027 | Monday 14 June 2027 |
The Digital Gift Pack has no last order date for any of them — it arrives within minutes, including on the day itself.
If something is wrong
A misspelled name, the wrong constellation, or you simply changed your mind: tell us within 14 days and we'll correct it, re-dedicate the star, or refund you in full. Lost the certificate later? You can reprint at home, free, for life, from the star page.
The honest bit
Star naming is symbolic — only the International Astronomical Union assigns official star names, and it doesn't sell them, to us or anyone. What's real: the star, its coordinates, and the dedication in our register, verifiable by anyone at any time. Read how it works and what it costs.
Common questions
How long does it take to name a star?
With The Star Naming Co., minutes. The star is allocated automatically when payment is confirmed and the documents are emailed straight away, any hour of any day. The printed Physical Gift Pack is posted within one working day.
Can I name a star on the same day as the birthday?
Yes. The Digital Gift Pack arrives within minutes, so it works on the morning itself, and the e-gift reveal can be sent by text or WhatsApp.
How long does the printed pack take to arrive?
It is printed and posted within one working day, free to UK addresses. Delivery outside the UK is shown at checkout.
What if I spell the name wrong?
Tell us within 14 days and we will correct it, re-dedicate the star, or refund you in full.
£9.99 in minutes · £19.99 for the Physical Gift Pack, posted free in the UK
Name their star ✦