Exploring the cosmos through Jersey’s Sky at Night Stamp Issue
August 10, 2026
This year, astronomy enthusiasts have a remarkable celestial event to anticipate, with a lunar eclipse to be visible on 12 August 2026, offering Islanders the chance to witness one of nature's most captivating spectacles.
The occasion holds extra meaning thanks to our Jersey Sky at Night stamp issue, created in 2025 using real astrophotography captured from the island's own night skies. Featuring work by talented local photographers and members of the Jersey Astronomy Club.
About Jersey Sky at Night
Issued on 18 November 2025, Jersey Sky at Night showcases eight breathtaking images captured by local astronomy photographers Neil Mahrer and Gordon Pollock. The photographers are active members of Jersey’s astronomy community and have developed techniques that allow them to capture celestial phenomena directly from the island’s coastline and countryside.
The collection includes:
* Three stamps featuring iconic Jersey landmarks — Grosnez Castle, the Wicker Puffins, and Archirondel Tower all of which are set against dramatic night‑sky backdrops.
* Five stamps depicting celestial occurrences, including a lunar eclipse and deep‑sky imagery typically captured using advanced astrophotography techniques.
The issue includes a stamp set, souvenir miniature sheet, first day covers, presentation packs, and full collector sheet sets. Its imagery reflects both the beauty of Jersey’s natural landscapes and the incredible astronomical events visible from our skies.
How do astrophotographers capture images of space?
Jersey’s astrophotographers rely on specialised equipment, including advanced telescopes, tracking mounts, filters, and dedicated imaging cameras, along with hours of patient exposure time.
The Jersey Astronomy Club shared detailed insight into how images such as the Iris Nebula and Pacman Nebula were created.
The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023 / Caldwell 4)
* Distance: 1,300 light years
* Method:
- 474 × 15‑second exposures using a luminance filter
- 246 × 30‑second red exposures
- 235 × 30‑second green exposures
- 331 × 30‑second blue exposures
* Total exposure: 8.7 hours over two nights
* Result: A true‑colour image created by stacking hundreds of short exposures to build clarity, depth and colour.
The Pacman Nebula (NGC 281 / SH2‑184)
* Distance: 9,200 light years
* Method: Narrowband imaging using:
- 46 × 5‑minute hydrogen‑alpha (Ha) exposures
- 44 × 5‑minute doubly ionised oxygen (OIII) exposures
- 29 × 5‑minute ionised sulphur (SII) exposures
* Total exposure: 9.9 hours over two nights
* Result: A Hubble‑palette image where sulphur appears red, hydrogen green, and oxygen blue — the same narrowband method used by the Hubble Space Telescope.
These examples demonstrate the deep astronomical skill present within Jersey’s small but passionate astrophotography community. Techniques like these are echoed in the Jersey Sky at Night issue, where one of the images also used narrowband imaging to create a dramatic multi‑coloured view of ionised gases in space.
When was the Jersey Astronomy Club formed?
Founded in 1990, the Jersey Astronomy Club has long been a fixture of the island’s scientific and educational community. Members regularly meet to observe and record celestial phenomena, share knowledge, and inspire newcomers. Their passion is reflected in the Jersey Sky at Night stamps, which would not exist without the club’s enduring commitment to astronomy.
The club also engages in public outreach, maintains an active online presence, and collaborates with institutions such as Jersey Post in the development of astronomy‑themed projects.
What events do the Astronomy Club arrange?
In 2025, the Jersey Astronomy Club welcomed Dr. Robin Catchpole, renowned astronomer and former Senior Astronomer at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.
Dr. Catchpole’s visit brought professional‑level insight to the island’s astronomy enthusiasts, covering topics such as star formation, deep‑sky observational techniques, and the evolving role of spectroscopy in modern astronomy. His talk was widely praised for its clarity and accessibility, and it strengthened the bridge between amateur observers and the broader scientific community.
Where can I buy the Jersey Sky at Night issue?
The Jersey Sky at Night stamps will remain available until November 2027. You can browse the full issue here: https://jerseystamps.com/collections/jersey-sky-at-night. Have a question? Contact the team on 01534 616 717 or email stamps@jerseypost.com.