"Tired of telling friends and family about the total solar eclipse coming in August?
Just send them a letter. They don’t even need to read it.
The Postal Service announced Thursday that it is releasing a first-of-its-kind stamp that changes images when touched.
The Total Solar Eclipse Forever stamp commemorates the Aug. 21 eclipse. The stamp transforms from the black circle of an eclipsed moon into the full moon, from the heat of a finger.
... If you want to see the event in totality, you’ll need to head to Oregon, Idaho and other points on the 70-mile wide path.
The back of the stamp has a map of the eclipse’s path and times it will appear in some locations.
The stamp uses thermochromic ink that changes color based on temperature. The image reverts to the eclipse when it cools.
The stamp will be released June 20. Because it is a “forever” stamp, it will cost whatever a first class stamp costs at the time it’s bought.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/latest-ne ... 75719.html
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For those unfamiliar with Forever Stamps, they have the advantage that they remain usable for any first class postage despite any US Post Office stamp price increases. They are a handy thing to keep on hand or in one's wallet therefore. There are Christmas issues most years, and other rather boring generic Forever Stamps like US flags.
Some people like to stock up on Forever Stamps as soon as they go on sale because there may be a limited printing. While this Solar Eclipse issue looks promising, eventually, a new Forever Stamp will be introduced. These will become more difficult to find.