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Session 16 - Astrometry.
Display session, Wednesday, January 07
Exhibit Hall,
The Astronomical Applications Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory provides astronomical almanac data to the Department of Defense, the international scientific community, and the general public. The way in which these data are produced, distributed, and used has evolved considerably in just the past few years, and responsiveness to the needs of a diverse user community forces a continuing evolution of the products. "Almanac data" now consists not just of tables of numbers, but increasingly includes graphics, algorithms, software, and documentation. Paper publications, PC-based computer applications, and the World Wide Web are all currently used as distribution mechanisms, and the appropriateness of specific data types to specific media is undergoing a general review. Input from the astronomical community is being sought so that both the content and the format of the products remain useful.
Specific new initiatives include a broad review of the contents of The Astronomical Almanac (a cooperative effort with Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office at RGO); a new version of the Multiyear Interactive Computer Almanac (MICA) for years 1990-2005 (available for PCs and Macs); and the development of web-based astronomical information including both static pages and interactive applications (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/AA/).
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: bangert@ariel.usno.navy.mil
