HM Nautical Almanac Office: Data Services
Potential Customers
HMNAO produces astronomical data for a wide range of clients. Here are some examples.- Legal Statements
We provide Statements of Witness in criminal and civil trials in which astronomical factors such as the time of sunset or twilight or the position of the Sun in the sky play an important role.
- Muslim Community
The Muslim community worldwide regulates its daily prayers by the position of the Sun, and its calendar by the phases of the Moon. We provide tables of prayer times and predictions of the visibility of the new crescent Moon to Muslims in Britain and around the world.
- Historians
Historical events are sometimes linked with the phase of the Moon or the path of an eclipse over the Earth's surface. Our expertise in astronomical calculation enables us to provide definitive information on such phenomena to historians.
- Newspaper, Diary and Calendar Publishers
Many diaries and calendars contain information on the phases of the Moon, the seasons and public holidays. National and local newspapers carry daily times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset and the phase of the Moon. These Astronomical and Calendarial Data Sheets are produced by HMNAO.
- Astronomers
HMNAO produces information sheets giving times of sunrise and sunset, astronomical twilight and the amount of moonlight for several major observatories around the world. Further information is given in our On-line Data pages.
- Outdoor Events
HMNAO can generate the times of sunset and twilight for organisers of outdoor events and activities including sports, hiking, mountaineering and open-air concerts.
- Architects and Town Planners
The shadow cast by a new building is often a crucial factor in deciding the placement of the building in an urban environment. This depends upon the location of the building and the position of the Sun during the course of the year. HMNAO can produce a solar location diagram for a location of your choice.
- The Armed Services
Military planners and tacticians need to know the times of sunrise and sunset and strength of moonlight in battlefield situations. HMNAO has provided such information to Britain's armed services at many critical times, from the D-Day landings to the Gulf War.
Information on our standard data and the relevant charges and conditions of supply of data are available.
Weather and Tidal Information
HMNAO does not provide meteorological data or tidal predictions.- For Meteorological data and predictions - please contact The Meteorological Office.
- For tidal data and predictions - please consult EasyTide at the UK Hydrographic Office.
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