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Constellations
Constellations are groups of fixed stars whose outlines are traditionally regarded as forming particular figures. They are totally imaginary things that poets, farmers and astronomers have made up over the millenniums. A graphic map of the constellations helps the observer to locate the position of the various stars in the sky. In 1929, the International Astronomical Union adopted official constellation boundaries that defined the 88 official constellations that exist today.
Re 1 - Orion
Orion the hunter is considered as the most spectacular constellation in the sky. It is situated opposite the Scorpius constellation. It is the most easily recognized of all constellations and lies near to the Milky Way. It is visible in the sky from the month of November to May. It was first photographed in 1880 by Henry Draper. Its distance is evaluated at about 1,500 light years.
Rs 7 - Sagittarius Sagittarius together with Scorpius lie in the heart of the Milky Way itself, providing vistas which are unparalleled in grandeur and diversity. Sagittarius can be found by following the Milky Way in summer down the southern horizon. It is visible in the sky from the month of May to October. Its distance is about 29,000 light years. Known as the Archer, modern observers regard the shape of the stars to resemble that of a teapot.
Rs 8 - Scorpius The constellation of Scorpius is very old. The stars were seen as a scorpion by the earliest Mesopotamian civilization 5000 years ago. Known as a big "S", it is one of the rare constellations which represents its name in design. This constellation can be observed in all its splendour in our winter sky. It is about 6,800 light years away.
Rs 9 - Crux
Crux, the Southern Cross, is the most familiar constellation in the southern hemisphere. It is the smallest constellation in the entire sky. It was the European explorers of the sixteenth century who rediscovered the Southern Cross. This constellation was an important clock from which navigators could calculate their present time. It is 320 light years away and its stars are about twice the size of the sun. The Crux is visible from the month of May to September.
Technical details
Designer : Nick Shewring
Printer : House of Questa
Stamp Size : 27.94 x 44.45 mm
Perforation : 14
Gum : PVA
Paper : Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet Format : 50 stamps set in two panes of 25
Release Date : 18 December 2002
Denominations : Re1, Rs7, Rs8, Rs9
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