Solar Eclipses Special Edition Stamp Collection
Throughout human history, eclipses – both solar and lunar – have captured the human imagination. Historically, they have induced both wonderment and fear in observers, and their awe-inspiring presence continues to captivate us. Their meaning and significance are particular to the cultural and historical lenses through which they are seen, and these understandings furnish a rich legacy of knowledge, stories and responses. Western astronomers have studied total solar eclipses for more than a century, helping shape our knowledge of the Sun’s composition and processes; it has also deepened our understanding of the Earth and the space environment in which our planet exists. Total eclipses offer a brief but important window into the Sun’s chromosphere (lower atmosphere), usually invisible due to the blinding brightness of the Sun.
Eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up, either partially or fully, resulting in an unusual view of the Sun or the Moon. There are four types of solar eclipse (total, annular, partial and hybrid) and three types of lunar eclipse (total, partial and penumbral). Solar eclipses occur when, in combination with a lunar node (the intersection of the orbital planes of the Sun and Moon), the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth during a new moon phase. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
This collection of Solar Eclipses minisheets is only available to the Australia Post Collecting Community. It comprises four exclusive limited-release minisheets.
- The first minisheet includes all three Solar Eclipses stamps in a block of six; three are perforated while three are imperforate.
The other three minisheets are fully perforated and each houses a strip of three stamps of the same design. The three minisheets feature different finishes:
- The Annular Solar Eclipse stamps are treated with a heat-sensitive ink. When heat is applied to the stamp, such as gentle thumb pressure, an Annular eclipse is revealed.
- The Total Solar Eclipse stamps feature a beautiful iridescent foil in the background of the stamp, enhancing the glow of the eclipse.
- The final minisheet features a glow-in-the-dark ink to highlight the Partial Solar Eclipse. Simply charge the stamps under a light source, then turn off the lights and enjoy the radiance of the Sun emerging from behind the Moon.
- 4 Solar Eclipses Special Edition minisheets
- This stunning and unique collection is offered exclusively to Collecting Community members
- This large-size display pack features four unique minisheets
- Limited collection features Annular Solar Eclipse, Total Solar Eclipse and Partial Solar Eclipse stamps