POS Indonesia: the Total Solar Eclipse (Gerhana Matahari Total) Souvenir Sheet
On March 9, 2016, a total solar eclipse passed directly over Indonesia—the only major landmass from which the total eclipse was visible. Pos Indonesia released this issue to mark the rare astronomical event.
The central design between the eclipse phases depicts Batara Kala (the shadow giant/demon from Javanese mythology). In Indonesian folklore, solar eclipses were believed to occur when Kala swallowed the sun.
Traditional Javanese village figures are illustrated on the left and right margins, capturing the local cultural reaction to the eclipse.
Special Feature: The image explicitly notes "Prangko Berpendar Dalam Gelap / Stamp Glowing in the Dark".
The stamps are printed using phosphor material. Under normal light, you see the full artwork; when charged with light and taken into the dark, the crescent phases of the eclipse glow, mimicking the actual phenomenon of an eclipse.
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