Occasions
Name a star in memory of a loved one
Yes, you can name a star in memory of a loved one or a pet. On Sternschenker you can take your time to choose a real star on the sky map, give it their name, a date and a few words of remembrance, and receive a certificate as a PDF. There is no rush and no obligation – take as much time as you need.
Why a star can bring comfort
When a person or a faithful animal is no longer with us, there is often no place for our thoughts to go. A star can be such a place. It is quiet, it is constant, and it can be seen from almost anywhere – from the garden, from a balcony, from a journey. Many grieving people say it helps them to look up in the evening and know: that is “his” or “her” star.
For children, a star can be a gentle way to talk about loss. It gives the memory something visible, without asking for difficult words.
How to choose the star
When you name a star, you can choose any star visible to the naked eye. There is no wrong choice. A few thoughts that may help:
A star that is always there
Some stars never set from Central Europe because they lie close to the celestial pole. Polaris in Ursa Minor stays almost in the same place, while Capella and Deneb trace their circles around it. If you would like the star to be findable on every clear night, choose one of these.
A star with personal meaning
Perhaps the person had a favourite constellation, a star sign, or a place where you used to look at the sky together. That can be a lovely starting point too.
A star for a pet
Sirius, the “Dog Star” in Canis Major, is a loving choice for a dog. For a cat there is the star Felis, named after an old constellation, the “Cat”, that is no longer in use. It is fainter, but can be found low in the south in the constellation Hydra on dark spring nights.
Finding words of remembrance
You have up to 140 characters for the dedication. It doesn’t need to be grand. A phrase the person often used, a thank-you or simply “Never forgotten” is enough. Above you’ll find some gentle suggestions to use or adapt. For the date you might choose their birthday, the day they died or a day that connected you.
A ritual for grief
A star can become part of a quiet ritual:
- On the anniversary, step outside together, light a candle and look for the star.
- Place the certificate, framed, beside a photo, or keep it in a memory book.
- At the funeral or memorial service, share the link to the digital certificate with family and friends so everyone can find the star themselves.
- Use a planetarium app to see where the star is right now – even on cloudy evenings. Our guide Find your star in the sky explains how.
Soon it will also be possible to order an optional printed certificate on premium paper or a stainless-steel pendant with engraving and QR code – something you can keep close.
What you should know
Only the International Astronomical Union assigns official star names. A name you give with us is therefore symbolic, and other people can name the same star too. The meaning lies in your memories, not in a register. That is why Sternschenker is free and why we store no data. All the details are contained in the link to your certificate – please keep it and the PDF file somewhere safe.
Suitable stars
Polaris
α UMi · HIP 11767 · 1.97 mag · 433 light years
Constellation: Ursa MinorPolaris stands almost motionless in the northern sky while all the other stars circle around it. A quiet image for someone who gave support and direction.
Name this star: PolarisCapella
α Aur · HIP 24608 · 0.08 mag · 43 light years
Constellation: AurigaCapella shines bright and warm in Auriga and never sets from Central Europe, so you can find it on every clear night of the year.
Name this star: CapellaDeneb
α Cyg · HIP 102098 · 1.25 mag · 1,412 light years
Constellation: CygnusDeneb in Cygnus stands high overhead on summer evenings and stays above the horizon all year round from much of Central Europe.
Name this star: DenebSirius
α CMa · HIP 32349 · -1.44 mag · 9 light years
Constellation: Canis MajorSirius has been called the “Dog Star” since antiquity and is the brightest star in the night sky – a loving choice for a dog who has passed away.
Name this star: SiriusDedication ideas
Copy an idea with one click or use it as inspiration. Dedications can be up to 140 characters long.
In loving memory. You are no longer here, but you are never truly gone.
For Mum. Your light stays with us, every night anew.
When we look up, we feel a little closer to you.
You made our lives brighter. We will carry your light forward.
Never forgotten. With gratitude for every day we shared.
For Dad, who taught us to reach for the stars.
What we hold deep in our hearts is never lost.
For our faithful companion. Thank you for every walk and every wag of the tail.
For our cat, who loved to sit by the window and watch the night.
With love and gratitude. You will always be part of us.
Frequently asked questions
Can I name a star for someone who has died?
Yes. You choose a star and give it the person's name, a date – such as their birthday or the day they died – and a dedication. You can print the certificate and keep it.
Can I do this for a pet as well?
Yes. Many people remember a dog, a cat or another animal that was part of the family for years in this way.
Which star can always be seen?
Stars close to the celestial pole never set from Central Europe, such as Polaris or Capella. You can find them on any clear night.
Is the certificate stored anywhere?
No. All the details are contained in the link to the digital certificate. Please keep the PDF file and the link safe, as we cannot restore them.
Which star will it be?
The sky is waiting. Naming your star takes about two minutes.
Name a star for free