Date:17th October 2024
Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is delighted to announce the release of a stunning new collection of six stamps, showcasing the breathtaking aurora borealis as seen through Manx skies (Issue Day 25th October 2024). This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, commonly referred to as the northern lights, has graced our skies on a number of occasions in 2024.
This stamp collection and supporting products feature images from a huge number of photographers who are all to be congratulated for their patience in waiting for just the right moment to capture the very best of the view through their camera lens, whether it be on a mobile phone or top of the range digital camera.
Designed by Isle of Man Advertising, the stamps are available as a Set (six stamps), as Sheet Set in sheets of 20, with limited edition Presentation Packs (1000) and limited edition First Day Covers (1500). The stamps will also be available within a Prestige Booklet, featuring additional imagery provided by the Manx public and detailed information about the aurora borealis. IOMPO expresses gratitude to all those who contributed their jaw-dropping images for inclusion in the 28-page Prestige Booklet as well as the First Day Cover and Presentation Pack.
Manx astronomer, Howard Parkin, highlights the science behind this spectacle: Normally observed in Polar Regions like Alaska and Norway, the aurora is sometimes visible from the Isle of Man's north-western coast. The phenomenon occurs when solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field, creating vibrant displays of green, red, purple, and blue across the sky.
2024 has seen some of the most impressive auroral displays seen from the Isle of Man in over 20 years. Created in partnership with the Isle of Man Astronomical Society and Visit Isle of Man, this collection aims to further promote and encourage interest in astronomy on the Island.
Issue text author and specialist Howard Parkin BSc. BEd. FRAS said: “I am delighted to have been involved with these beautiful stamps, which show some spectacular images of the aurora borealis from our Island’s shores. With our fantastic dark skies, the Isle of Man is a great place to see the aurora or Northern Lights. The Sun goes through an 11 year cycle and the 2024 - 2026 peak has led to some dramatic displays in 2024, shown brilliantly in this innovative issue.”
Visit Isle of Man said: “We are delighted to support the Isle of Man Post Office’s latest stamp collection, which beautifully highlights the Island’s extraordinary dark skies. Boasting the highest concentration of dark sky sites and among the lowest levels of light pollution in the British Isles, the Isle of Man is a premier destination for stargazers and nature lovers alike. This year, the Island has treated us to some breath-taking celestial displays, including the Aurora Borealis, making it an unforgettable destination for all who visit.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Stamps & Coins said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the natural beauty of the aurora borealis through this stamp issue. The Isle of Man’s dark skies offer a unique opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, and we are proud to capture that magic in this collection. It demonstrates you don’t have to travel to Northern Europe to witness such beauty, on so many occasions in 2024 it has been right on our doorstep. " She added “I would like to thank everyone who worked on this issue and my special thanks go out to the members of the Manx public, who followed our request to send in their images.”
For more information on this issue or to purchase the stamps, visit www.iompost.com/aurora.
High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found in our media centre
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