Canada Honors the CFHT with a Stamp

This is a cool way to celebrate International Year of Astronomy and the birthday of the Canada-France-Hawai’i (CFHT) telescope: the Canada Post has released two new stamps celebrating IYA, the CFHT and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia.

Each of the two stamps pairs an important Canadian observatory with amazing images of two of the most beautiful and recognizable nebulae as seen from Earth. Both were photographed by CFHT.

One stamp features the Eagle Nebula against an image of the CFHT telescope while the other stamp depicts the Horsehead Nebula and an image of Canada’s National Research Council’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO).

Canada has a long history of astronomical discovery and astrophysical research. Of course, most folks are familiar with the Canadarm and the mobile servicing system on the International Space Station. Canada is also one of six partners in the Gemini Partnership, and its scientists regularly contribute incredible discoveries and instrumentation to the world’s astronomy facilities. There’s lots to be proud of for Canadian scientists and astronomy enthusiasts. So, if you’re a Canadian — check out these stamps. They’re gorgeous!