In a testament to its significant influence on the fields of science and astronomy, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has inspired a new series of postage stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS).
This month, USPS unveiled two new stamps featuring stunning images taken by Webb. One of the stamps showcases the breathtaking spiral galaxy NGC 628. According to NASA, “Webb’s observations merge near- and mid-infrared light to uncover luminous gas and dust in vibrant shades of orange and red, along with intricate spiral patterns that appear jagged.” This magnificent galaxy is situated 32 million light-years away in the Pisces constellation.
The second stamp (shown below) features an image of the central region of the IC 348 star cluster, captured in near-infrared light. This cluster is located about 1,000 light-years from our planet within the Perseus constellation. NASA explains that the ethereal wisps dominating the image represent interstellar material that reflects light from the stars within the cluster, creating a “reflection nebula.”
Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, remarked, “The James Webb Space Telescope transforms scientific exploration into art, continuing to deliver remarkable images of deep space filled with vital scientific information for future study.”
Fox further expressed, “NASA’s science is omnipresent, continually benefiting the American public by enabling them to hold a piece of the cosmos in their hands through these stunning images from beyond our solar system. I am thrilled that my favorite image, the spiral galaxy NGC 628, is included this year, along with both stamps guiding us through our cosmic past from one mailbox to another.”
These new stamps celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the James Webb Space Telescope, recognized as the leading infrared space science observatory globally. By showcasing Webb’s captivating visuals, USPS connects people with the marvels of the universe, allowing them to engage with groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. These stamps also highlight the advanced technology and engineering that power the telescope, potentially inspiring the next generation of scientists and igniting curiosity among young minds.
Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope aims to observe the early universe, investigate the formation and evolution of galaxies, and gain deeper insights into star and planet formation. Its images were previously featured on USPS stamps in 2024.
