The Postal Service is issuing a one-of-a-kind stamp Tuesday that transforms from a solar eclipse into the moon with the touch of a finger.
The August event will be the first time since 1979 that a total solar eclipse will be visible from mainland United States, according to Espenak's website, MrEclipse.com.
For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will cross the entire nation August 21.
"With the release of these unbelievable stamps using thermochromic ink, we've provided an opportunity for people to experience their own personal solar eclipse every time they touch the stamps", USPS Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Jim Cochrane said in a press release. This means that when someone touches it, their body heat will create a reaction that changes the circular eclipse image from black to clear and reveals a moon image beneath.
Viewers in the 70-mile-wide path from OR to SC are in for a special treat.
But apply a bit of heat, and the dark circle gives way to a photograph of the moon taken by former NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak.
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The Total Eclipse of the Sun stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which is always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
A total solar eclipse provides us with the only chance to see the Sun's corona - its extended outer atmosphere - without specialized instruments.
The back of the stamp pane shows a map tracking the coming eclipse's path.
Announced Thursday, the Forever 49 cent stamp comes out in June - on the summer solstice.
"A total eclipse of the Sun is simply the most attractive, stunning and awe-inspiring astronomical event you can see with the naked eye, but you've got to be in the 70-mile-wide path of totality that runs across the nation from OR to South Carolina", Espenak said. Pre-order now by going here.
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