Astronomical set
We have today revealed images of eight new stamps being issued to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).
The Visions of the Universe stamp issue features eight illustrations of astronomical phenomena discovered or investigated by astronomers and astrophysicists, that extol Britain’s contribution to discovery and understanding in this field.
Included in the set are: Cat’s Eye Nebula; Geysers on the moon Enceladus; Black Holes; Pulsars; Jupiter’s Auroras; gravitational lensing; Comet 67P; and the Cygnus a Galaxy.
Britain has a long and rich tradition of astronomical investigation, from the discovery of celestial objects, such as the planet Uranus by William Herschel in 1781, to pioneering observational techniques such as radio interferometry pioneered by Sir Martin Ryle in the mid-20th century.
The society began on 12 January 1820, when 14 ‘gentleman astronomers’ sat down to dinner at the Freemasons’ Tavern, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London and conceived the idea of the society. It now boasts a membership of more than 4,000 astronomers, known as Fellows, and it continues to encourage and promote the study of astronomy and geophysics, as well as other closely related branches of science.
As the leading learned society for astronomy in the UK, it supports public education for students, teachers, the public and media. It awards medals to recognise excellence in research and its gold medal is arguably the highest accolade in the astronomical world.
The stamps have been created in collaboration with the RAS.
The illustrations by artist, Robert Ball, bring a dynamism and vibrancy to each stamp – putting the viewer in the middle of the action - which could not have been possible with using a photograph.
Philip Diamond, RAS Executive Director, said: ‘This striking and attractive set of stamps reflects the drama of the universe around us. I'm delighted that our bicentenary year is marked by a genuine collector's item combining tradition with contemporary science.’
Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘These vivid and beautiful new stamps celebrate the UK’s contribution to our understanding of the universe, from geysers erupting from one of Saturn’s moons to the extraordinary nature of black holes.’
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available now for pre-order at www.royalmail.com/visionsoftheuniverse and by phone on 03457 641 641.
The stamps will be available on general sale at 7,000 post offices across the UK from Tuesday 11 February.
