2017 Total Solar Eclipse stamp
| Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp | |
|---|---|
| Country of production | United States of America |
| Location of production | Browns Summit, North Carolina |
| Designer | Antonio Alcalá |
| Printer | Banknote Corporation of America |
| Dimensions | 31.12 mm × 31.12 mm (1.225 in × 1.225 in) |
| Perforation | Die cut |
| Commemorates | Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 |
| Depicts | A total solar eclipse |
| Notability | First U.S. stamp using thermochromic ink |
| Estimated value | 49¢ |
 The two stamp images. On top-right is default stamp image. On bottom-left is image when heated. |
The United States Postal Service issued the Total Eclipse of the SunForever stamp on June 20, 2017. The stamp includes two superimposed images, one showing a total solar eclipse and the second showing a full moon that is revealed upon heat being applied. This stamp commemorates the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 which was visible across the continental United States from coast to coast, weather permitting.
In the first U.S. stamp application of thermochromic ink, the Total Eclipse of the Sun Forever stamps reveal a second image. By rubbing a thumb or finger on the image, the heat imparted will cause an underlying image of the full moon to be revealed. Afterward, the image reverts back to the dark image as it cools.
The US Postal Service notes that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes degradation of thermochromic inks, so the eclipse stamps should be shielded from sunlight to preserve their thermochromic behavior. To help with this, the Postal Service sends panes of this stamp to purchasers in special UV-blocking envelopes. In addition, UV-protective sleeves for the eclipse stamps are available from post offices for 25¢ each.
The photograph of the total solar eclipse on the stamp was taken at Jalu, Libya on March 29, 2006 by Fred Espenak. The stamp's alternate image is a photo of the full moon taken by Espenak at his observatory in Portal, Arizona in 2010. Known as "Mr. Eclipse", Espenak is a retired NASA astrophysicist. The stamp was designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá of Alexandria, Virginia.
The stamp is printed in a pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 16 stamps, in one design.
...
Wikipedia