Overview
Stars Lookup works by retrieving star data from a curated database and providing it in a structured format. The star database is updated regularly to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Endpoint
One host, one path per API. The block below shows this call in four languages; every one of them is the same HTTP request. Making requests covers the timeouts, retries and parameter rules that apply to all of them. The SDKs wrap the same call in a typed client.
curl "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/starslookup?name=Sirius" \
-H "x-api-key: your_api_key_here"const res = await fetch('https://api.apiverve.com/v1/starslookup?name=Sirius', {
headers: { 'x-api-key': 'your_api_key_here' },
});
if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${res.status} ${await res.text()}`);
const { data } = await res.json();
console.log(data);import requests
res = requests.get(
"https://api.apiverve.com/v1/starslookup?name=Sirius",
headers={"x-api-key": "your_api_key_here"},
timeout=15,
)
res.raise_for_status()
print(res.json()["data"])package main
import (
"fmt"
"io"
"net/http"
)
func main() {
req, _ := http.NewRequest("GET", "https://api.apiverve.com/v1/starslookup?name=Sirius", nil)
req.Header.Set("x-api-key", "your_api_key_here")
res, err := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)
if err != nil {
panic(err)
}
defer res.Body.Close()
out, _ := io.ReadAll(res.Body)
fmt.Println(string(out))
}Replace your_api_key_here with the key from your dashboard. When the inputs arrive as a list rather than one at a time, batch requests run up to 200 of them through this same API in a single call.
Authentication
Send your key in the x-api-key header. That is the only auth step — there is no token exchange and no per-endpoint scope to configure. Authentication covers creating, rotating and revoking keys.
A 401 means the key is missing, invalid or expired. A 403 means the key is valid but not permitted here — blocked by a key restriction or an IP allow-list. Running out of credits is a 429.
Parameters
Sent in the query string. Premium parameters are accepted on every plan but only take effect on plans that include them.
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
nameRequired | string | The name of the star for which you want to get the data (e.g., Sirius) |
Response
Every API returns the same three top-level keys, so one response handler covers your whole integration: status, error and data. Only data changes shape. Response format covers the envelope, the other output formats and how premium fields are withheld.
{
"status": "ok",
"error": null,
"data": {
"starName": "Sirius",
"mass": 4.674385e+30,
"diameter": 2825760,
"galX": -5.895,
"galY": -6.152,
"galZ": -1.167,
"dist": 8.6,
"starType": "A1(V)",
"temp": 9500,
"color": "0xbaccff"
}
}Response fields
Paths are relative to data. Premium fields are absent rather than zeroed on plans that do not include them, so check for presence instead of comparing to 0.
| Field | Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
starName | string | "Sirius" | The name of the star |
mass | number | 4.674385e+30 | Mass of the star in kilograms |
diameterPremium | number | 2825760 | Diameter of the star in kilometers |
galXPremium | number | -5.895 | Galactic X coordinate position |
galYPremium | number | -6.152 | Galactic Y coordinate position |
galZPremium | number | -1.167 | Galactic Z coordinate position |
dist | number | 8.6 | Distance to star in light-years |
starType | string | "A1(V)" | Stellar classification type (e.g., A1V) |
tempPremium | number | 9500 | Surface temperature of the star in Kelvin |
colorPremium | string | "0xbaccff" | Color representation as hex code |
Errors
Read the HTTP status first, then error for the specific reason. The body names the parameter that has to change. Error handling covers the full status list and which of them are worth retrying.
| Status | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
400 | Input was rejected | Read error; it names the parameter. |
401 | Key missing or invalid | Check the header name and the key value. |
403 | Key valid, but not permitted | A key restriction or IP allow-list; see key scoping. |
429 | Rate limited, or out of credits | Read error to tell them apart; see rate limits. |
Use cases
- Astronomy Research
- Use the Stars Lookup API to look up star data for astronomy research. Use the data to study stars, galaxies, and celestial objects
- Educational Resources
- Create educational resources by using the Stars Lookup API to look up star data. Use the data to teach students about stars, constellations, and the universe
- Stargazing Apps
- Build stargazing apps by using the Stars Lookup API to look up star data. Use the data to provide users with information about stars, planets, and celestial events
- Space Exploration
- Explore space by using the Stars Lookup API to look up star data. Use the data to learn about the properties, characteristics, and behavior of stars
Other ways to use Stars Lookup
Set up Stars Lookup on APIVerve, or reach the same source a different way. Your APIVerve account and credits work on all of them — one key, one balance.
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