How to Name a Star

You nominate the constellation, the date of registration, and most importantly, the name you are giving to the star.

The constellation choice
The constellations are the groups of stars forming a distinctive pattern as seen from Earth. You can nominate to have a star named from one of the 12 Zodiac (starsign) constellations. Especially appropriate for birthdays, they are visible for up to eight months a year from Australia and New Zealand. Or, to name a star that is visible virtually all year round in the southern heavens, select a constellation in the Southern Hemisphere (eg The Southern Cross). For recipients residing in the Northern Hemisphere, stars visible from north of the Equator are available for immediate registration.

The constellations are listed by their Latin names, followed by the English equivalent. If you are undecided, the constellation name that most captures the spirit of the occasion, or enhances the significance of the gift is usually your best choice.

Constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere: Ara (Altar), Carina (Keel), Centaurus (Centaur), Columba (Dove), Corona Australis (Southern Crown), Crux (Southern Cross), Dorado (Goldfish), Norma (Carpenter's Square), Orion (Hunter), Phoenix (Firebird), Piscis Austrinus (Southern Fish), Puppis (Ship's Stern), Pyxis (Ships Compass), Vela (Sail).

Constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere: Andromeda (Princess), Orion (Hunter), Ursa Major (Big Dipper).

Optimum viewing periods for the Zodiac signs from the Southern Hemisphere:

Aquarius	August to January
Pisces	August to February
Aries	October to March
Taurus	October to April
Gemini	December to May
Cancer	December to May
Leo	February to July
Virgo	April to September
Libra	April to September
Scorpius	April to November
Sagittarius	June to November
Capricornus	June to December

The date of registration
This date should enhance the meaning of the starnaming. You nominate the day and month (current calendar year is used), eg birthday, anniversary or other occasion you want remembered. Registrations are normally dated forward. For example, a starnaming dated February 14 ordered in January will be delivered before Valentine's Day.

The Starname
Deciding the name is the most important part. You can use up to 35 characters (letters, numbers and the spaces between words count as characters). Most starnames are the name of the person the gift is for. It can however be anything from a nickname to the full name and birthdate. Or, the starname could consist of the names of a couple, and even include a message. Many choose a name that is of special significance to the giver and receiver alone. Because you know the recipient best, your choice will certainly make that person feel like a star.

If you decide to use more than the name of person the gift is intended for, here are some sample names illustrating the styles used.