and based on how many planets have already been discovered by that mission e.g. HAT-P-9, WASP-1, COROT-1, Kepler-4, TRAPPIST-1. Sale of star names by non-scientific entities Star naming rights are not available for sale via the IAU or any other scientific body. Rather, star names are selected on a non-commercial basis by a small number of international organizations of astronomers, scientists, and registration bodies, who assign names consisting usually of a Greek letter followed by the star's constellation name, or less frequently based on their ancient traditional name. However, there are a number of non-scientific "star-naming" companies that offer to assign personalized nick names to stars within their own private catalogs. These names are used only by that company and are only available for viewing on their web site or on purchased items. Names by commercial entities are not recognized by the astronomical community, or by competing star-naming companies. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs has issued violation notices against companies which claimed to sell stars or the naming rights to them. A survey conducted by amateur astronomers discovered that just over half of consumers would still want to "name a star" with a non-scientific star-naming company even though they have been warned or informed such naming is not recognized by the astronomical community. See also List of Arabic star names NameExoWorlds List of proper names of stars Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning References External links List of popular star names The Naming of Stars from the National Maritime Museum The Straight Dope: Can you pay $35 to get a star named after you? Naming Stars Designation Designation Astronomical nomenclature