He discovered that thè Moon was not a per-fect sphere, but pock-marked with craters, that Jupiter was clearly orbited by four naturai satellites that were named thè Galilean moons, and that thè Milky Way was made up of billions of stars.
Four centuries later, thè United Nations has declared 2009 to be thè International Year of
Astronomy (IYA2009). Its theme The Universe, Yours to Discover' is an initiative for ali citizens
of our planet. It gives them thè opportunity to rediscover their piace in thè universe by admiring
thè splendour of thè sky. The goal is to generate a sense of wonder and discovery in everyone.
We ali need to realise thè impact astronomy and fundamental sciences have on our daily lite, to understand that scientific knowledge contributes to a more balanced and peaceful society.
Many activities have been planned at home and abroad. One of them is thè * ìncìuded m thè postage stamps subscription Planetarium's request for thè issue of a special postage stamp. The Planeta-rium, which is part of thè Royal Belgian Observatory, is thè best piace to dis-cover beautiful, mysterious heavenly
TECHNICAL DETAIL:
Theme: thè EUROPA postage stamp to markthe International Year of Astronomy 400 years after thè first astronomi-cai observation by Galileo Galilei
Creation:ThierryMordant
Denomination: lì or €0.90
Stamp size: 48.75 mm x 38.15 mm
Sheetsize: 125 mm x90 mm
Composita of thè sheet: 1 stamp
Paper: litho phosphorescent
Perforata: 11"2
Printing method: offset
Engraving (cylinders): De Schutter 'Neroc sa
Printing: Stamps Production Belgium
Philately has been considered as an "auxiliary science of history" because it is based on the general principles of other sciences, which in turn contribute to enrich it. It acquires knowledge of the sciences, of the arts, of languages and opens an immense road of social relations through all countries. This science broadens broad horizons of culture, discovers artistic temperaments and offers the interest of the new and the unknown, while performing a positive therapeutic wor.
