The U.S. Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific
agencies in the country. Established in 1830 as the Depot of Charts
and Instruments, its primary mission was to care for the U.S. Navy's
chronometers, charts and other navigational equipment. Today, USNO
is the preeminent authority in the areas of
Precise Time and Astrometry,
and distributes Earth Orientation
parameters and other Astronomical Data
required for accurate navigation and fundamental astronomy. USNO headquarters
in Washington, DC is the administrative and scientific hub of Observatory
operations and is home to the
James M. Gilliss Library, one of the most complete collections of astronomical
literature in the world. USNO operates a remote
observing station at Flagstaff, AZ and an
Alternate Master Clock Facility at Schriever AFB, CO.
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The U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. conducts a free
90 minute tour of its facilities on
alternating Monday evenings from 8:30 pm until 10:00 pm, except on
Federal holidays. Please read the new tour policy and admission procedure.
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