The United States Naval Observatory performs an essential scientific role for the United States, the Navy, and the Department of Defense. Its mission includes determining the positions and motions of the Earth, Sun, Moon, planets, stars and other celestial objects; providing astronomical data; determining precise time; measuring the Earth's rotation; and maintaining the Master Clock for the United States. Observatory astronomers formulate the theories and conduct the relevant research necessary to improve these mission goals. This astronomical and timing data, essential for accurate navigation and the support of communications on Earth and in Space, is vital to the Navy and Department of Defense. It is also used extensively by other agencies of the government, industry and the public at large.
The Observatory consists of four Scientific Departments: Astrometry, Astronomical Applications, Earth Orientation, and Time Service. Each Department is responsible for specific products and services tailored to their end-users within both the DoD and civilian worlds.
The Naval Observatory's Nautical Almanac Office computes and prepares the vital annual U.S. navigational publications, the Air Almanac and the Nautical Almanac. In addition, they carry on the essential research work of deriving improved values of the fundamental astronomical elements and embodying them in new tables of the celestial motions, publishing the Astronomical Phenomena and the Astronomical Almanac. These publications are produced in cooperation with Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.
To learn more about the U.S. Naval Observatory, visit their website.
