Polar Lights

The U.S. Postal Service will issue a pane of 20 Polar Lights 41-cent commemorative postage stamps in two designs(often known as auroras) on Oct. 1.

According to a USPS press release, "As part of the International Polar Year 2007-2008, the call is to bring attention to the role of polar research in global processes of these fascinating phenomena -- polar lights. The 'southern lights or aurora australis' and 'northern lights or aurora borealis' are brilliant emissions of light."

The polar lights are a luminous glow seen in the night sky at high latitudes surrounding the north and south magnetic poles. Throughout history the polar lights have inspired a colorful folklore; today they are the focus of many nations.

The two First-Class stamps on this pane of 20 were also featured on the International Polar Year 2007-2008 souvenir sheet issued this past February.

To learn more, click here.