Astronomical Data and litigation


Astronomical data are sometimes needed for civil or criminal court proceedings, especially where there is an issue of the amount of natural illumination available during the incident in question. Both astronomical and meteorological information may be needed in such cases.

The U.S. Naval Observatory does not collect or maintain records or systems of records of astronomical phenomena - for example, observed times of sunrise or sunset, or Moon phases - that might be useful for litigation. Such observations are not regularly made by any agency of the U.S. government, since the relevant data can be computed for past or future dates to sufficient accuracy for all practical purposes. (In this sense, astronomical data is quite different from weather data, which must be observed and recorded.)  These kinds of astronomical computations can usually be performed by any observatory, planetarium, university astronomy department, or other competent authority.

The data provided by the Naval Observatory are intended for public information and general use. The data are computed and are not reports of observed or recorded events. The computations assume certain conditions and the data might therefore not be relevant to the facts at issue in a specific case. The data are provided without seal or certification regarding authority, custody, or authenticity, and acceptance by a court is not guaranteed. The Naval Observatory does not furnish data specifically tailored for litigation. If a litigant desires a signed letter or some other type of "certified" document containing the calculated data, there are several private sector sources that can be used. Resources that may assist you in finding information and expert testimony are listed below.
 
Weather information is not available from the Naval Observatory. Official weather records (cloud cover, precipitation, etc.) compiled throughout the United States are available from:

National Centers for Environmental Information
Asheville, NC  28801
Phone: (828) 271-4800
Website:  www.ncei.noaa.gov
 
Civil time (zone time, daylight time) legally in effect at locations within the United States is determined by the Secretary of Transportation. Information may be obtained from:

Office of the General Counsel
Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: 1 (202) 366-4702
Website:  www.transportation.gov/administrations/office-general-counsel
 
FORENSIC SERVICES

The following are sources of information that can assist in locating expert support for forensic inquiry, interpretation of data, and litigation. This list is not exhaustive and is not to be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Government of any services, or of companies or individuals recommended by the services.

The Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys refers experts for a range of forensic and consulting services. Presently offers 22,000 experts in 5500 categories. Telephone consultation advised.

Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys
1166 Dekalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA  19422-1853
Phone: (610) 275-8272 or (800) 523-2319
Website:  www.tasanet.com

American Weather and Climate Industry Association publishes a directory of U.S. and international commercial weather companies and the services they provide . Telephone assistance is available.

American Weather and Climate Industry Association
1015 Waterwood Parkway, Suite J
Edmond, OK 73034
Phone:  (405) 359-0773
Website:  www.awcia.org

The National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists can provide information on forensic issues arising out of various types of accidents.

NAPARS
PO Box 866
Farmington, NH 03835
Phone:  (603) 923-8077 (during business hours EST)
Website:  www.napars.org

The Directory of Certified Consulting Meteorologists is a listing of weather experts by specialty and by state/country. 

American Meteorological Society
45 Beacon Street
Boston, MA  02108-3693
Phone: (617) 227-2425 to obtain directory

DC Office:
1200 New York Ave NW, Suite 500,
Washington, DC 20005-3928

Website:  www.ametsoc.org

Astronomical information can often be obtained locally from astronomers or celestial navigation instructors at public and private schools, colleges, observatories, planetariums and maritime academies.  Sky & Telescope magazine maintains a searchable database of these resources:

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-clubs-organizations/
 
Navy.mil  |  Navy.com  |  Navy FOIA  |  DoD Accessibility/Section 508  |  No Fear Act  |  Open Government  |  Plain Writing Act 
USA.gov  |  Veterans Crisis Line  |  DoD Safe Helpline  |  Navy SAPR  |  NCIS Tips  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Webmaster
 
Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command  |  1100 Balch Blvd.  |   Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529
Official U.S. Navy Website