#United States #Washington #USPS #Crab Nebula #Galaxy Pair

U.S. Postal Service's 2026 Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Stamps Announced

On December 12, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) made the exciting announcement regarding its new Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express stamps set to debut in 2026. Among the highlights are two stunning stamps featuring breathtaking images captured by NASA's advanced telescopes, aiming to celebrate America's ongoing pursuit of space exploration. This fresh release of stamps embodies both artistry and a nod to celestial wonders, making them not only stamps but a piece of cosmic art that collectors and astronomy enthusiasts alike will treasure.

The Crab Nebula: A New Outlook

The first stamp in this stellar duo is dedicated to the Crab Nebula. This remarkable representation is based on an image obtained from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing a vibrant infrared view of this celestial marvel. The Crab Nebula is famous for being one of the brightest remnants of an exploded star, located approximately 6,500 light-years from Earth in the Taurus constellation. Greg Breeding, the art director for USPS, designed this captivating stamp that illustrates the richness of cosmic exploration and the remarkable breakthroughs facilitated by cutting-edge space technology. The design reflects features never before seen, contributing to an enriched understanding of stellar life cycles.

Galaxy Pair: Witnessing Cosmic Interactions

In tandem with the Crab Nebula, the Galaxy Pair stamp is set to dazzle with another stunning visual captured by the Webb Telescope. This design showcases a composite image of two interacting galaxies, IC 2163 and NGC 2207, positioned about 80 million light-years from our planet. This glimpse into the cosmos shows us the dynamic processes that shape our universe, reminding us of the intricate dance of galaxies and the vast scale of cosmic phenomena. Like its counterpart, this stamp was thoughtfully designed by Greg Breeding using high-resolution imagery received from both the Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes.

Release Dates and Locations

In addition to the designs, USPS has provided information about the release dates and locations for the new stamps through March 2026. Some of the notable dates include:

• - January 9: Angel's Trumpets - Kenosha, WI
• - January 13: Love - Kansas City, MO
• - January 15: Muhammad Ali - Louisville, KY
• - February 3: Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse - Houston, TX
• - February 18: Bruce Lee - Seattle, WA
• - March 14: Sunflowers - Strongsville, OH

The details for two stamps—the Crab Nebula and the Galaxy Pair—will further be confirmed, with expectations for enthusiastic celebrations on their respective issue dates, which are yet to be announced.

Importance of USPS Stamps

USPS stamps are more than just a means of postage; they tell stories and capture moments in time, reflecting cultural values and significant events. The integration of such high-quality imagery into stamps heralds a new era where science and art coalesce, making each stamp a tiny gateway to the universe beyond our reach. The Postal Service’s commitment to showcasing these deep-space explorations marks a significant point in its history, especially as it celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Conclusion

Furthermore, customers can purchase these newly designed stamps and other philatelic products through the USPS website, by calling specific numbers, or at select post office locations throughout the United States. The excitement surrounding the USPS’s new stamp lineup for 2026 serves as a reminder of the beauty that exists beyond our planet, inviting everyone to become a part of this cosmic journey. As the USPS moves forward with its vision, it remains a trusted establishment dedicated to engaging every American community through affordable and reliable services.