This Isle of Man stamp issue celebrates the spectacular solar eclipse of 12th August 2026, when the Moon covered 93.1% of the Sun as seen from the Island at 19:09. Viewed under mostly clear skies about an hour before sunset and moonset, the partial eclipse created dramatic and memorable scenes, particularly from Port Erin, Niarbyl, Peel and the west coast.
Created in partnership with Manx astronomer Howard Parkin MBE BSc. BEd. FRAS, the four stamps explore the science, history and wonder of one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. Howard explains how the Sun and Moon appear almost the same size from Earth, allowing total solar eclipses to occur, while also exploring the differences between total, partial and annular eclipses and the roles of the umbra and penumbra.
The issue also looks at the history of eclipses observed from the Isle of Man, including an account by the Cistercian Monks of Rushen Abbey in 1185, when an eclipse was so noticeable that the stars appeared, and Bishop Wilson’s observation of a partial eclipse in 1736. The last total solar eclipse seen from the Island was in 1598, while the next will be visible here in 2151.
With striking imagery by Ed Benson and Sue Jones, this collection captures a memorable astronomical event while offering an engaging insight into the science, history and enduring fascination of solar eclipses.
