[Martin Pugh]

Hello everyone.

It has been almost a year since Australia Post contacted me about the possibility of having one of my images feature as part of a set of stamps to be released to mark the International Year of Astronomy.

Some months went by until I was eventually told that a number of my images had reached the final line up. I was finally advised that M78 had been selected and I was over the moon. Even more so, when I learned that the other 2 images were by David Malin!

M78 was APOD on 18 Mar 08.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080318.html

I was held in confidence until the release date, today, 25 Aug 09 and I invite you to visit the link below to see the first day covers and the other material being marketed.

http://www.stamps.com.au/shop/stamps/stargazing/sku/1619001

If anyone is interested, I am offering the following 'presentation' pack:

• Full size print (A3+ - 483 x 330mm) of M78 on full-gloss 250gsm photopaper.
• An essay describing the nebula, with text to support the stamp release.
• A peelable label to affix to the rear of the print when framed.
• An Australia Post First Day cover set of the stamps.
• 10 post cards of an earlier image entitled 'Galactic Dust in Corona Australis.

The pack will cost $50AUD plus postage and packing which includes the $8.65 cost of the first day cover from AUSPOST.

If indeed you are interested, please contact me by PM.

Thanks for looking as always.

best regards
Martin Pugh