Bolivia year 1986 stamps – Space Halley´s Comet ☀ MNH**
Halley’s Comet, one of the most famous comets in the history of astronomy, made a notable return to the inner solar system in 1986. This event was widely commemorated with postage stamps by various countries, celebrating the comet’s predictable appearance approximately every 76 years. Here’s a closer look at some of the significant stamps issued in 1986 to mark the occasion of Halley’s Comet:
Notable 1986 Halley’s Comet Stamps
United States
- Design: The stamp features a striking image of Halley’s Comet with its glowing tail stretching across a starry background.
- Date of Issue: April 10, 1986.
- Denomination: 36 cents.
- Description: This stamp captures the comet in vivid detail, emphasizing its astronomical significance and beauty.
Soviet Union (USSR)
- Design: The USSR issued multiple stamps, one of which depicted Halley’s Comet in detail, showing its nucleus and tail against a backdrop of stars.
- Denomination: Various denominations, including a 10 kopeck stamp.
- Description: The stamps featured scientific illustrations and text in Cyrillic, reflecting the Soviet Union’s interest in space exploration.
Japan
- Design: Japanese stamps featured artistic renditions of Halley’s Comet, integrating traditional Japanese art styles.
- Date of Issue: April 1, 1986.
- Denomination: 60 yen.
- Description: One notable stamp depicted an ancient Japanese astronomer observing the comet, blending cultural heritage with scientific observation.
Australia
- Design: Australian stamps showcased the comet as seen from the Southern Hemisphere, with an astronomer using a telescope.
- Denomination: 36 cents.
- Description: The design highlighted the visibility of the comet in the southern skies and included vibrant colors and detailed illustrations.
France
- Design: French stamps featured a stylized rendering of Halley’s Comet passing near Earth.
- Denomination: Various, including a 2.20 franc stamp.
- Description: These stamps emphasized the comet’s trajectory and its historical significance.
United Kingdom
- Design: The UK’s Royal Mail issued a series of stamps depicting both historical and contemporary views of Halley’s Comet.
- Denomination: Various denominations, including first-class postage.
- Description: The series included images from the Bayeux Tapestry showing the comet’s 1066 appearance, along with modern depictions.
Significance of Halley’s Comet Stamps
- Astronomical Importance: Halley’s Comet is notable for being the first comet recognized as periodic, with appearances approximately every 76 years.
- Cultural Impact: The comet has been observed and recorded by many cultures throughout history, including the Chinese, Babylonians, and Europeans.
- Scientific Milestones: The 1986 return of Halley’s Comet was significant as it was the first to be observed and studied with modern space technology, including spacecraft missions like ESA’s Giotto, which provided close-up images of the comet’s nucleus.
Collecting Halley’s Comet Stamps
Interest: Stamps commemorating Halley’s Comet are popular among collectors due to their historical, scientific, and aesthetic value.
Resources:
- Philatelic Societies: Organizations such as the American Philatelic Society (APS) and the International Philatelic Federation (FIP) offer resources for collectors.
- Catalogs: Comprehensive stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons provide detailed listings and valuations for Halley’s Comet stamps.
- Exhibitions: Postal museums and exhibitions frequently display space-themed stamps, including those commemorating Halley’s Comet.
These stamps serve as a tangible reminder of the celestial event and the global fascination it inspired, making them valuable collectibles and educational tools.