A tour of the U.S. Naval Observatory and historic Library is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4, 2004 by the Military Librarians Group of DC/SLA from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Viewing through the telescope is scheduled from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.  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, the U.S. Naval Observatory 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.

WHO:   DC/SLA Members and Guests

WHAT:   Tour of the U.S. Naval Observatory Library, the Observatory and Telescopes, with viewing as weather permits.  

WHERE:  The U.S. Naval Observatory is located on Massachusetts Avenue at 34th Street, NW, Washington, DC. The Observatory entrance is located at the end of Observatory Circle, which intersects Massachusetts Avenue south of 34th Street. The British Embassy is located at this intersection. Click here for a local area map (PDF format) or click here for public transit information.

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 4, 2004.  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Registration, Library Tour, Appetizers/Desserts 6:30-8:00 p.m. View the Summer Skies over Washington, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. weather permitting.  Wear comfortable shoes: you will be walking on uneven flag-stones and you might be standing for periods of time in the Telescope area.

HOW:  Cost for Networking Reception prior to the library tour and telescope viewing:  $15.00 per person.   Payment must be received in advance by check or PayPal.  Make checks payable to DC/SLA.

REGISTRATION:  Send an email to Sharon Lenius with the information on the form below. When paying by check also reply with an e-mail registration to ensure a space. Registration fees are not refundable when using Paypal or after the final registration date. The final registration date is July 30, 2004.

UPDATE (7/19/04):  All spaces are filled - no more reservations are being accepted for this event.  If you would like to be added to the wait list contact Sharon Lenius.  Please note that if a space opens up you will be required to pay by check.

Send checks to:
Sharon Lenius
6174 Otter Run Ct
Clifton, VA 20124
Daytime phone: 703-601-2710
sharon.lenius@ngbcio.ngb.army.mil 

 

Registration Form (U.S. Naval Observatory, 8/04/04): Complete Name as shown on Picture ID: _______________________________________________________________ Date of Birth: ______________  Daytime Phone: ______________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________

This tour is limited to the first 30 PAID registrants; a waiting list will be maintained

Parking is available on the Observatory Grounds.   All must enter through South Gate.  See internet directions above.

All adult visitors will be required to present a photo ID that matches their name and date-of birth before they are admitted to the grounds.

Visitors who do not have a reservation will not be admitted under any circumstances.