Total Eclipse of the Sun, a first-of-its-kind U.S. stamp that changes when you touch it, was released June 20 by the Postal Service.
The stamp shows an eclipse that transforms into an image of the moon from the heat of a finger.
This is the first U.S. stamp application of thermochromic ink, the technology that makes the transformation possible.
“With the release of these amazing stamps using thermochromic ink, we’ve provided an opportunity for people to experience their own personal solar eclipse every time they touch the stamps,” said Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Jim Cochrane, who dedicated the stamp in Laramie, WY.
USPS is releasing the stamp to celebrate the total solar eclipse that will occur in the United States Aug. 21. Tens of millions of people are expected to view the event, which will mark the first total solar eclipse seen on U.S. mainland since 1918.
Other speakers at the ceremony were Colorado/Wyoming District Acting Manager Kevin Romero; Madhulika Guhathakurta, a NASA astrophysicist; and Michael Pierce, a physics and astronomy professor at the University of Wyoming, where the dedication took place.
Fred Espenak, who is also known as “Mr. Eclipse” and took the photograph featured on the stamp, also participated.
The stamps are available at Post Offices and usps.com. This week’s news release has more information.
