New Issue: From the Oceans to the Stars (Isle of Man)

The Isle of Man will issue a new set of stamps tomorrow called "From the Oceans to the Stars".

I would describe it for you but fortunately I don't have to because Isle of Man Stamps and Coins has done it for me! Here is what they say: The Nicole Stott Mint Set brings together six Isle of Man Post Office stamps exploring our planet and the universe beyond. Each design reflects a different layer of exploration, from the mysterious depths of the oceans to the vast expanse of space. Highlights include a glass octopus from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Cumanotus Beaumonti sea slug from Manx waters, and a rare albino whale, celebrating the diversity of marine life.

The set continues with breathtaking views from orbit: the Isle of Man as seen from the International Space Station, the iconic “Blue Marble” image of Earth, and the “Wall of Light,” a representation of the galaxy as described by NASA astronaut Al Worden.

Curated by astronaut Nicole Stott, these stamps convey both scientific curiosity and environmental responsibility, reminding us of our role as stewards of our ocean planet. Ideal for collectors, ocean enthusiasts and space lovers, this Mint Set offers a visually stunning and thought-provoking tribute to Earth, its oceans, and the cosmos beyond. Nicole Stott is a retired NASA astronaut who was a flight engineer on Expedition 20 and Expedition 21. There is a connection to the Isle of Man as she is married to a Manx space entrepreneur. Interestingly, she is also an artist and was the first person to paint with watercolour in space!

The oceans and the stars may at first seem unrelated to each other but think again! They are very deeply connected. As always, Isle of Man stamps focus on a local dimension and these are no exception. More information on the WOPA website tells us: "The stamps journey from the deepest points of the ocean, featuring a rare glass octopus from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, to the vibrant coastal ecosystems around the Isle of Man, highlighted by the critically important Little Ness Marine Nature Reserve. Surface-level ocean life is represented by a rare albino whale, photographed by Royal Photographer ambassador Matt Porteous, while views from orbit showcase the Isle of Man from the International Space Station and the iconic NASA 'Blue Marble' image, illustrating our fragile planetary home. The final design, 'Wall of Light', looks outward into the galaxy, celebrating humanity’s curiosity and the possibilities beyond our planet.

"This issue is ideal for collectors, space enthusiasts and those inspired by our ocean planet. Nicole Stott’s stamps encourage reflection on our place in the universe and our shared responsibility to care for Earth’s ecosystems."

Design Quality - I think the design of these stamps is really striking. The dark backgrounds make the sea creatures and space images look like they are glowing, almost like stars themselves. The photography really is quite special because the animals look super detailed and kind of magical, especially the glass octopus and the sea slug.

The whale stamp is my favourite because it feels calm and powerful at the same time. The “Overview Effect” one is also really cool because it shows Earth from space, which makes the oceans look like part of something much bigger.

The layout is neat and modern, and the black backgrounds make everything stand out clearly. It feels almost like looking through a spaceship window or diving into deep water.

One thing I wondered though: since Nicole Stott is also an artist, wouldn’t it have been a good idea to use some of her art instead of just photography? The photos are amazing, but mixing in artwork might have made the set even more interesting. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - The theme is really unusual and that’s why I like it so much. There are lots of stamps about space and lots about marine animals, but this set mixes both together.

The stamps show how connected the oceans are to the wider universe. When astronauts look back at Earth, they see one big planet with oceans covering most of it. That makes the ocean feel less like a separate place and more like part of a giant cosmic system.

It’s very thought-provoking because it asks us to make this connection and to see our oceans differently. Instead of just thinking about fish and whales, you start thinking about Earth floating in space with all the oceans swirling around it.

I also like that the stamps move from tiny sea creatures all the way to galaxies and nebulae. It feels like a journey from the deep ocean to the deepest space. 8/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - These stamps are interesting because they connect science, exploration, and environmental thinking. Astronauts often talk about the “Overview Effect,” which is when they see Earth from space and realise how fragile and connected everything is.

By including ocean animals and space images together, the stamps kind of show that exploration isn’t just about rockets — it’s also about understanding our own planet.

It also feels relevant today because people talk a lot about protecting the oceans and about space exploration happening more and more. These stamps remind us that Earth itself is special and worth protecting. 6/10 Innovation and Creativity - I think this set is very creative. Most stamps stick to one theme, but this one blends two very different worlds — the deep ocean and outer space.

The idea works really well because both places are mysterious and not fully explored. The deep sea can feel as strange as another planet. The creative idea of showing the journey from sea life to the stars is what makes the set stand out. It’s not just pretty pictures — it’s also a story about discovery and perspective. As I've already said, I think the creativity could have been improved by using some of Nicole Stott's artwork in the design. But even without it, it's a strong design and very well done. 8/10

Collectability - I think this set would be pretty appealing for many collectors. The images are dramatic and memorable, which makes them the kind of stamps people want to keep. The variety also helps. These aren't just the usual space or wildlife thematics. That makes the set feel balanced and interesting.

Because it has a strong concept and nice photography, it might become one of those sets people remember. 8/10

Personal appeal - Overall I really like these stamps. My favourite thing is that they aren’t just about space or just about marine nature, which are both quite common themes. Instead, they combine both of them, and that makes them feel fresh and thoughtful. They make us think about the sea and the universe in new ways.

They show how the oceans are part of the whole planet and how Earth itself is part of the universe. That’s a pretty big idea for something as small as a stamp. And even though they’re small, the photography makes them feel huge — like looking into the deep sea or deep space at the same time. 8/10 Overall score - 46/60