MT, Jan 21: The U.S. Postal Service has launched two stunning new stamps that invite customers and collectors to explore the wonders of deep space without ever leaving their homes.
These stamps, available starting today, feature breathtaking images captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the beauty of our universe.
New Stamps Unveiled
The new Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express stamps went on sale at the Big Sky Post Office, offering a unique opportunity to purchase these collectibles along with a special first-day-of-issue postmark. The display in the Post Office retail lobby features large images of the stamps, making it a must-see for space enthusiasts.
Spiral Galaxy Priority Mail Stamp
The Priority Mail stamp showcases the captivating spiral galaxy NGC 628, located an impressive 32 million light-years away in the constellation Pisces. The image reveals a hazy circular core where clusters of older stars emit blue light, with the Webb Telescope's infrared cameras penetrating thick clouds of gas and dust for enhanced visibility.
Emerging from the central blue haze are the galaxy's vast spiral arms, composed of stars, gas, and dust, rotating counterclockwise to create a mesmerizing visual effect. The stamp features "Spiral Galaxy" in elegant white italics at the top right corner, with "USA" printed vertically from the bottom left and the denomination of $10.10 along the bottom left edge.
Designed by Greg Breeding, this stamp is issued in a pane of four and is priced at $10.10, aligning with the cost of the new Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope.
Star Cluster Priority Mail Express Stamp
The Priority Mail Express stamp features an ethereal image of star cluster IC 348, located just 1,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Perseus. Captured in infrared light by the Webb Telescope's filters, the image showcases gas and dust cascading like billowing curtains in shades of pink, purple, and white, reflecting the light from the cluster's stars-a phenomenon known as a reflection nebula.
In this stunning visualization, astronomers have identified three elusive brown dwarfs-objects that are too small to be classified as stars but larger than most planets. These discoveries challenge existing theories of star formation, providing new insights into how stars form from very small masses.
The stamp features "Star Cluster IC 348" in white italics at the top right corner, with "USA" printed vertically from the bottom left and a denomination of $31.40 at the bottom left edge. This stamp is also issued in a pane of four and matches the price of the new Priority Mail Express Flat-Rate Envelope.
A Window to the Universe
Thanks to advancements made possible by the Webb Telescope, scientists are now able to observe distant galaxies with unprecedented clarity. These new stamps not only celebrate America's ongoing exploration of deep space but also highlight critical research into star formation processes and our understanding of the universe's origins.
Explore these remarkable stamps today and join in celebrating humanity's quest for knowledge beyond our planet!
