Announcements - National Research Council putting its stamp on International Year of Astronomy

April 2, 2009 — Victoria, British Columbia

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Canada Post will unveil two new stamps today that celebrate the International Year of Astronomy while recognizing Canada's Gold Medal contributions to exploring the stars.

The commemorative stamps feature images of the NRC Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (NRC-DAO) in Victoria, B.C., and the world renowned Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea, which NRC operates in partnership with France and the University of Hawaii.

"NRC technology and expertise in astronomy and astrophysics benefit Canadians directly, generating millions of dollars in economic opportunities that affect hundreds of Canadian firms," said Dr. Greg Fahlman, Director General of the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics. "Astronomy is Canada's Gold Medal science. It's the field in which Canada excels and often leads the world. Investments in astronomy provide real results for the economy, generating contracts for Canadian firms while attracting young people to careers in science and engineering."

Each stamp is paired with an amazing image of an outer space marvel: the Horsehead Nebula and Eagle Nebula. Both nebulae were photographed by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.

The stamp launch also signals the beginning of Canada's celebrations for 100 Hours of Astronomy, a worldwide stargazing event that encourages as many people as possible to look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago.

Students from Lochside Elementary School, visiting the NRC astronomy interpretive centre during the 100 Hours, will take part in the stamp unveiling and put the new stamps to good use by mailing greetings to observatories around the world.

The National Research Council of Canada is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.

NRC serves the Canadian astronomical community through strategic partnerships in international facilities, the development of innovative instruments that embody world-class technology, and excellence in cutting-edge research.

For more information, please visit NRC's Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ or contact:

Kevin Farris
Communications Officer
National Research Council Canada
Tel: 250-363-6951
Kevin.Farris@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca