Total Solar Eclipse Stamp with Thermochromic Ink is 'First-of-Its-Kind'

The Solar Eclipse stamp from USPS will be available June 20, 2017. Image via USPS.

It's been nearly 40 years since the last total solar eclipse, which happened in 1979. But this summer, on August 21, there will be another total solar eclipse that will be visible from the United States. However, according to Space.com, if you're not one of the estimated 225 million people living in the states that lie along the "path of totality", you will only be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

If you're not one of the 225 million Americans that will be able to view the total eclipse, then consider heading over to your local Post Office to pick up the "first-of-its-kind" thermochromic ink Total Solar Eclipse stamp, which commemorates the event.

On June 20, the USPS will release the The Total Solar Eclipse Forever Stamp that features thermochromic ink, which transforms an image of a solar eclipse into an image of the moon. The solar eclipse can be seen until heat is applied — for example, from a recipient's thumb — at which point the moon is revealed. As the stamp cools back to room temperature, the solar eclipse reveals itself once more. Both photographs were taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak.

Since thermochromic ink is sensitive to UV light and can lose its effect, the USPS will offer customers "a special envelope to hold and protect the stamp pane, for a nominal fee," according to the press release.

To further its reach, the USPS is also encouraging people to share the stamp and its unique properties via social media with the hashtag #EclipseStamps.

Although the social media-crazed generation may not be mailing letters as often as generations before them, this may provide an incentive to pick up some forever stamps, just for the perfect Instagram shot. Kind of like this ice cream.