Royal Astronomical Society Postage Stamp

This postage stamp was issued in 1970 to commemorate the 150th anniversarry of the founding of the Royal Astronical Society. Depicted on the stamp, from left to right, are three individuals who were influential in the founding of the Society. They are, Sir William Herschel, at left, the first President, holding his famous drawing of Uranus and two satellites; Francis Baily, of Baily's Beads fame; and John Herschel, William's son. In the background is the 48-inch Newtonian that Herschel had at his home in Slough, England.