The first astronomy-themed stamp dates to 1887 when Brazil issued a perforated stamp, buff, and blue in color, depicting the Southern Cross, an asterism seen in the southern hemisphere. Even throughout the 1800s, stamps were being printed with astronomical watermarks, such as suns and stars, and early stamps issued in Egypt were designed with a pyramid and star.
Over the decades, we have celebrated astronomy and space on stamps including comets, man on the moon, and events in the astronomical calendar such as solar eclipses. Exploring Astronomy and Space Through Philately will take you on an out-of-this-world journey looking at and discussing a selection of astronomy and space-themed stamps that have been issued all over the world, proving that we can enjoy the wonders of the universe even on a cloudy night.