What:

Special dedication ceremony for Views of Our Planets and Pluto—Explored! Forever stamps. A special lecture by Dr. Sanjay Limaye entitled “The Solar System Explored: Mercury to Pluto” will follow the dedication. Dr. Limaye and other UW scientists have made significant contributions in planetary science over the past 60 years. This special event is free and open to the general public.

When:

Saturday June 11, 2016
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
(12:15 – 1:00 postal officials and scientists available for interviews)
(1:15 – stamp dedication and public lecture)

Where:

Weeks Hall, 1215 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI

Who:

Paul Nistler, Postmaster, Madison, WI, U.S. Postal Service
Dr. Sanjay Limaye, Distinguished Senior Scientist,
Space Science and Engineering Center

Background:

Space exploration and the newest discoveries in our own solar system continue to fascinate humanity. These two stamp issues celebrate some of the most visually compelling images of the planets obtained during this era. The Pluto—Explored! stamp sheet also celebrates last year’s historic reconnaissance of Pluto by NASA’s New Horizons mission.  These stamps were issued on May 31, 2016, during the once-in-a-decade international World Stamp Expo in New York City. The Postal Service continues that commemoration across the United States in communities large and small, where the spirit of space exploration is celebrated.

Scientists at the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin have been on the forefront of expanding our knowledge of the earth, our solar system and beyond. Dr. Limaye has made contributions to many missions during the last fifty years. Two most recent missions he   has been involved with are as US Team member for the European Space Agency's Venus Express Mission and the current Japanese Akatsuki Mission (also a Venus orbiter).