International Geophysical Year

This International Geophysical Year stamp commemorates the International Geographical Year, an international scientific project that was conducted from July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958. The project was organized by the International Council of Scientific Unions. Scientists from 67 countries participated by conducting experiments and sharing information. Achievements during this project included advancements in plate tectonic knowledge, the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belt, as well as the launch of the first artificial satellites — Sputnik 1 and 2 by the Soviet Union and Explorer 1 by the United States. The stamp features an image of a solar disc and the hands from Michelangelo’s Creation of Man.