Topical Collection: Comet on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Astronomy | Comet

 

1986 Halley's Comet

 

Halley’s Comet is one of the most famous periodic comets in the Solar System. It is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return after studying observations from earlier centuries. The comet orbits the Sun approximately every 75–76 years, making it visible to the naked eye about once in a human lifetime. Its most recent appearance was in 1986, and it is expected to return in 2061.

 

To commemorate the return of Halley’s Comet, the Philippines issued a set of two postage stamps on September 25, 1986. The 1-piso stamp (Scott #1922) depicts the comet and Earth, while the 2.40-piso stamp (Scott #1923) depicts the comet, the Moon, and Earth.

 

The 2.40-piso stamp was later overprinted in gold and revalued to 1.90 piso (Scott #1942) on August 1, 1988.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at approximately their actual size. However, due to space constraints, long images may be reduced to fit the available viewing area. To view an image in greater detail, click on it to display a larger version.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting a comet are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 19 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Eclipse on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Astronomy | Eclipse

 

1988 Total Solar Eclipse

 

On March 18, 1988, a total solar eclipse was visible across parts of the Philippines. A narrow path of complete totality passed through southern Mindanao, including Davao City and General Santos City, where the eclipse lasted for approximately three minutes.

 

To commemorate this astronomical event, a set of two postage stamps were issued on the same day as the eclipse. The stamps were denominated at 1 piso (Scott #1922) and 5.50 piso (Scott #1923). The stamp design illustrates the stages of the solar eclipse.

 

1995 Total Solar Eclipse

On October 24, 1995, a historic total solar eclipse passed over the southernmost part of the Philippines. It was the last total solar eclipse visible from the country during the 20th century. Although most of the Philippine archipelago experienced only a partial eclipse, the narrow path of totality crossed the remote islands of Tawi-Tawi. There, the eclipse briefly turned the mid-morning sky into darkness, with totality lasting approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

 

Unfortunately, the much-anticipated event was obscured by heavy clouds and sudden rain showers that swept across Tawi-Tawi. As totality began, the thick clouds blocked the view of the Sun and its beautiful corona from observers on the ground. Although the islands were plunged into darkness, many spectators were unable to witness the eclipse itself.

 

To commemorate this rare astronomical event, the Philippines issued a 2-piso postage stamp (Scott #2374) on the same day as the eclipse. Its design depicts the total solar eclipse over Tawi-Tawi beneath a cloudy sky, reflecting the conditions experienced during the event. A total of 320,000 copies of the stamp were printed.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at approximately their actual size. However, due to space constraints, long images may be reduced to fit the available viewing area. To view an image in greater detail, click on it to display a larger version.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an eclipse are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 16 August 2026