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 annual Astronomical, Nautical and Air Almanacs
are prepared jointly by the U.S. Naval Observatory and Her Majesty's Nautical
Almanac Office. These almanacs are published annually, with each
edition containing the data for one year. In general, the content
will be of interest only to those with specific training in astronomy
or celestial navigation.
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