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About Us
Info about the USNO
The United States Naval Observatory is an Echelon-IV operational command reporting to the Commander, Navy Oceanography and Meteorology Command. The Observatory's headquarters are located in Washington, DC, with field activities located at the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS) in Flagstaff, AZ and the USNO Alternate Master Clock (AMC) located at Schriever Space Force Base near Colorado Springs, CO.
 
The U.S. 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 and the public at large.
 
The Observatory consists of four Scientific Departments: Astronomical ApplicationsCelestial Reference FramesEarth Orientation, and Precise Time. Each Department is responsible for specific products and services tailored to our end-users within both the DoD and civilian worlds.

 
 

Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command | 1100 Balch Blvd. | Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529

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