2017 Southern Lights.

          Auroras (Southern Lights), are the result of electrically charged particles from solar winds reacting with gases in the earth’s atmosphere. The excess energy from these reactions creates a stunning light show that can be seen at the North or South poles. In order to view the Southern Lights you would need to be as far South as possible, which is part of the reason that New Zealand is such a prime location for viewing these colourful displays.

          The Southern Lights can range in colour from pink to green to purple, with the colours dependent on a number of factors. The type of solar wind particle, the type of gas molecule and the electrical state at the time of the collision all have an effect on the eventual colour of the aurora.

                    

          The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is located in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island. The extreme lack of natural light and the multitude of clear nights make it the perfect combination for stargazing, or if the timing is right, for viewing the Southern Lights. The Mt John observatory is the University of Canterbury’s premier astronomical observatory and is a much favoured spot for catching a glimpse of the Southern Lights.
          This stunning stamp issue features six gummed stamps - each featuring a photograph of the Southern Lights, taken at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Each stamp shows a different view of the Southern Lights, with the various colours and patterns of shimmering light clearly evident in these stunning photographs.

                    

The Stamps.

As would be expected with an issue such as this, the stamps are of a very simple design with minimal details and text, the amazing photographs being the star attraction. No information is given about the photographs other than that they were all taken in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

$1.00 - Southern Lights.

$1.80 - Southern Lights.

$2.00 - Southern Lights.

$2.20 - Southern Lights.

$2.70 - Southern Lights.

$3.30 - Southern Lights.

Southern Lights - Miniature Sheet.

The stamps from this miniature sheet are printed using a special silver-foil, replicating the shimmering effects of the aurora. It is nice to have a miniature sheet that does not completely duplicate the set of stamps for a change and this one, and indeed the six sheet stamps, works well – a most pleasing set.

 Southern Lights - First Day Cover.

 Southern Lights - Miniature Sheet First Day Cover.

Southern Lights - Presentation Pack.

Technical information

Date of issue:	8 February 2017
Number of stamps:	Six gummed stamps
Denominations:	$1.00, $1.80, $2.00, $2.20, $2.70 and $3.30
Stamps designed by:	Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post
Printer and process:	Southern Colour Print by offset lithography
Number of colours:	Four, plus silver foil on miniature sheet
Stamp size and format:	48mm x 30mm (horizontal)
Paper type:	Tullis Russell 104 gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper
Number stamps per sheet:	25
Perforation gauge:	14.585 x 14
Period of sale:	Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 7 February 2018. First day covers will remain on sale until 7 April 2017.