Spotting your star in the night sky

Your star is a real star, so you can find it two ways: on this website in seconds, and outside on a clear night with a pair of binoculars.

1. Look it up online

Your Database Number is printed on your Certificate of Registry and starts with ISD. Enter it here and you'll see your star on a live map of the sky, with its constellation, its catalogue number and its brightness. You can drag the map to see the stars around it.

This works for every star registered from November 2026. If your star was registered earlier, read this first.

2. Choose the right time of year

Stars rise and set with the seasons. The Altitude graph on your Star Area Co-ordinates Sheet shows how high your star is above the horizon at 10pm on each night of the year, seen from the UK. Pick a month when the line is high: the higher the star, the clearer the view. The cross-hatched months are when it is below the horizon at that time.

3. Find its constellation

1. Go somewhere as dark as you can, away from street lights.
2. Give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust. Use a red torch, or none at all.
3. Use the fold-out star chart from your pack to find your star's constellation. The brighter stars that make its shape are visible to the eye alone.

4. Use binoculars to see your star

Most of our stars are just beyond what the eye can see on its own. Any ordinary binoculars will bring them into view. The Chart View on your sheet shows the stars around yours, with your star in the centre of the two rings. Hold the sheet up to the sky and match the patterns: north is at the top of the chart, and the grid squares are 5 degrees across, about the width of three fingers held at arm's length.

Can't see it?

Cloud, haze, a bright Moon and street lighting all hide fainter stars. Try again on a clear, moonless night, somewhere darker. Your star isn't going anywhere.