What is a personalized star map?
The complete guide: definition, science, and how to create yours.
A personalized star map (also called star chart or star poster) is a custom astronomical print showing the stars above the horizon for a specific date, time, and location. Created from a HYG-derived catalogue, a compilation that draws in particular on data from ESA's Hipparcos mission, each map joins the stars of the constellations present in that sky, among the 88 recognized by the IAU, with conventional line figures. The sky is calculated from local sidereal time, then rendered with a stereographic projection. Popular as gifts for weddings, births, anniversaries, and memorials, star maps transform a meaningful moment into a piece of wall art. OwnStarMap offers personalized star maps from 12 euros, available as a digital download (high-resolution PDF, available instantly once payment is confirmed), a poster printed in the format selected at checkout, or an iPhone case, with 14 visual styles to choose from.
How does a star map work?
HYG-Derived Star Catalogue
The catalogue we use contains 8,921 records (including the Sun, which is skipped), with magnitudes up to 6.5. It is derived from HYG, a compilation that brings together data from ESA's Hipparcos mission, the Yale Bright Star Catalogue and the Gliese Catalogue of Nearby Stars. Only the stars above the horizon at the chosen place and time are plotted, so their number varies from one map to another.
Sidereal Time and Stereographic Projection
For the chosen date, time and place, the renderer calculates local sidereal time, converts the catalogue's fixed coordinates into horizontal coordinates, then projects the sky onto a flat plane with a stereographic projection, a method used for centuries that preserves constellation shapes. The calculation applies neither precession nor proper motion, and plots neither the Moon nor the planets.
88 IAU Constellations
The line set covers the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union; each map shows those above the horizon. These line figures are conventional: the IAU defines constellation boundaries, not the lines joining their stars.
What occasions is a star map for?
Wedding
Capture the sky of your wedding night. A unique gift for the couple or a lasting memory of the most beautiful day.
Birth
Preserve the stars that shone when your child was born. A perfect gift for nursery decor.
Anniversary
Celebrate another year under the stars of the day you were born or the day you first met.
Valentine's Day
Give the sky of your first date or first kiss. The ultimate romantic gift.
Memorial
Honor the memory of a loved one by preserving the sky of a moment that connected you. A timeless tribute.
Mother's Day
Give your mother the stars of the day she became a mom. A personal and moving gift.
Discover our styles
How to create your star map
Choose your moment
Enter the date, time, and location of your event. Our algorithm calculates the exact position of the stars at that precise moment.
Customize the design
Add a title, subtitle, and choose from 14 visual styles. Preview your map in real time before ordering.
Receive your map
Download your digital map as soon as payment is confirmed, or receive a personalized poster printed in the format selected at checkout.
Star map vs naming a star
| Criteria | Star Map | Naming a Star |
|---|---|---|
| Calculated from a star catalogue | Yes — HYG-derived catalogue | No — name not recognized by IAU |
| Personalized to your moment | Yes — date, time, location | No — random star assignment |
| Decorative physical object | Yes — poster or phone case | Paper certificate only |
| Price | From 12 euros | 20-100 euros |
| Verifiable data | Yes — method and data published | No — private commercial registry |
FAQ
Are the stars on the map really accurate?
Positions are calculated for your date, time and location from a HYG-derived catalogue, a compilation that draws in particular on ESA's Hipparcos mission data: local sidereal time, then stereographic projection. The calculation applies neither precession nor proper motion, and does not model refraction or weather; the method and its limitations are published on our method page.
What date range works?
Our algorithm handles all dates from January 1, year 1 CE to today, and up to 2100 for future dates. However, the calculation applies neither precession nor proper motion to the catalogue's fixed coordinates: these limitations matter most for dates far from the catalogue epoch.
How is it different from naming a star?
A star map shows the sky calculated for a precise moment and place, from a real star catalogue. Naming a star is a symbolic gesture: the name is not recognized by the International Astronomical Union and does not correspond to any scientific data.
What delivery formats do you offer?
Three options: digital download (high-resolution PDF in the selected format, available instantly once payment is confirmed), a personalized poster printed in the format selected at checkout, and an iPhone case. For printed products, delivery is included in the price; taxes or customs duties may still apply depending on the destination. Delivery is available to the destinations offered at checkout.
How much does a star map cost?
From 12 euros for a digital star map. Printed posters start at 29 euros depending on the size. iPhone cases start at 30 euros. For printed products, delivery is included in the price; taxes or customs duties may still apply depending on the destination. The final amount and currency are shown before you confirm payment. 14 visual styles are available at no extra charge.
Can I see a preview before ordering?
Yes. Our online editor generates a real-time preview of your star map. You see exactly the final result before paying, including your custom text, visual style, and star positions.
From 12 euros. Instant digital download after payment or printed poster, delivery included in the price.