The total solar eclipse Aug. 21 may just be the hottest event under the sun for many.
Sedalia offers a prime location for viewing the phenomenon that last occurred on the United States mainland in 1918.
Expected to last only minutes in the viewing area, thanks to the United States Postal Service there is a way to capture and relive the memory of the once-in-a-lifetime event, “forever.”
On June 20, the USPS issued a first-of its-kind stamp featuring an image of an eclipse that transforms from light into darkness, revealing a second image of the moon when touched.
The stamp image is a photograph taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak of a total solar eclipse seen from Jalu, Libya, on March 29, 2006.
“In the first U.S. stamp application of thermochromic ink, the Total Eclipse of the Sun Forever stamps will reveal a second image,” according to information from the USPS. “Using the body heat of your thumb or fingers and rubbing the eclipse image will reveal an underlying image of the moon which Espenak also took. The image reverts back to the eclipse once it cools.”
According to Sedalia Postmaster Beth Grother, the stamps are selling very quickly.
“Our first order of the stamps sold out within the second day they arrived,” Grother told the Democrat. “We do have an extra supply of the eclipse stamps ordered for the State Fair Postal Unit to sell during the State Fair on the Fairgrounds.
“They will be available at both the State Fair and here at the Post Office,” she added. “It is a unique stamp and I believe it would be a good keepsake for everyone to purchase. I’m not aware of any other image-changing stamps the postal service is planning.”
The stamp is being issued as a Forever Stamp, which is always equal in value to the current First Class Mail one-ounce price.
“Thermochromic inks are vulnerable to UV light and should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible to preserve the special effect,” according to the USPS. “To help ensure the longevity of the stamps, the Postal Service will be offering a special envelope to hold and protect the stamp pane for a nominal fee.”
A pane of stamps contains 16 individual stamps and is available for $7.84. Individual stamps are $0.49.
The Sedalia Post Office received 400 sheets in its second shipment and Grother said there are 600 sheets available for Missouri State Fair visitors as well as some Keepsake Covers.
There are first-day covers and other items related to these stamps available at USPS.com.
