Solar Eclipse 2026 First Day Cover

Celebrate the spectacular solar eclipse of 12th August 2026 with this official First Day Cover, featuring the four Isle of Man stamps from the Solar Eclipse 2026 issue and issued on 2nd November 2026.

Created in partnership with Manx astronomer Howard Parkin MBE BSc. BEd. FRAS, the issue explores the science and history behind one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. From the Isle of Man, the eclipse reached 93.1% at 19:09, producing dramatic views under mostly clear skies shortly before sunset and moonset.

Observers in Port Erin, Niarbyl, Peel and along the west coast of the Island enjoyed particularly memorable views as the Moon covered almost the entire solar disc, leaving only a thin sliver of sunlight visible.

The card inside explains the differences between total, partial and annular eclipses, while exploring the roles of the umbra and penumbra. It also looks at historic eclipse observations from the Isle of Man, including the account of an eclipse seen from the Island in 1185, and recalls that the next total solar eclipse visible here will occur in 2151.

Limited to 1,500 covers, this First Day Cover provides a memorable way to commemorate a remarkable event in the Island’s skies.