The U.S. Postal Service kicks off National Stamp Collecting Month in October by issuing “Earthscapes” Forever stamps at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. “Earthscapes” depict America’s diverse landscapes in perspectives from several hundred feet to several hundred miles above the ground, from photos taken from ultra-light planes to data obtained by Earth-orbiting satellites.

What: First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony for the Earthscapes Forever stamps. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Mon., Oct. 1, 2012, 10:30 a.m. EDT

Where: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Visitor Center 8800 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, Md. 20771

Two of the stamp images — Volcanic crater and Center-pivot irrigation — were taken by the NASA/U.S. Geological Survey Landsat 7 satellite. The Landsat program celebrates 40 years of observing the Earth this year as Goddard prepares to launch the next satellite in the Landsat series, the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). For nearly 50 years, Goddard has been at the forefront of looking at Earth from the vantage point of space. During this unique dedication ceremony, NASA scientists join the U.S. Postal Service in celebrating “Earthscapes” stamps and will discuss why viewing our Earth from above is so valuable for understanding our ever-changing home planet.

Joining NASA and the U.S. Postal Service is Alexandria, Va., photographer Cameron Davidson, who will tell his story of creating the Inland marsh stamp image by photographing the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s eastern shore near Cambridge, Md.

NASA uses a fleet of satellites to study the Earth and to better understand the changing climate, its interaction with life, and how human activities affect the environment. Through partnerships with national and international agencies, NASA enables the application of this understanding for the well being of society.

To preview the Earthscapes stamps visit: http://beyondtheperf.com/stamp-releases/earthscapes

For more information about the Landsat program, visit:
www.nasa.gov/landsat