Navigate with the Stars: The New Nautical Almanac for 2026

In an age of GPS and electronic charts, the time-honored skill of celestial navigation remains an essential art for mariners. It requires precision, knowledge, and a reliable guide. That guide is the Nautical Almanac, a critical resource that continues to serve as the standard for marine navigation. The new Nautical Almanac for 2026 is now available, providing the essential data needed for celestial navigation.

The Nautical Almanac is a powerful tool. It's an annual treasure trove of astronomical information, published jointly by the U.S. Naval Observatory and the U.K. Hydrographic Office. This indispensable guide includes Celestial Body Positions: Accurate data for the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Rise and Set Times: Precise calculations for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. Ephemeris Data: Detailed information on planetary and lunar positions. Together, these provide everything you need to plot your position on the open sea, ensuring you can always navigate confidently and precisely.

Beyond the Open Sea

While primarily a resource for navigators, the Nautical Almanac's applications extend far beyond the maritime world. Amateur astronomers can use it to plan observations, track celestial events, and deepen their understanding of the night sky. Even for those with a casual interest in astronomy, the Almanac offers a fascinating look into the detailed movements of the cosmos. Whether on the water or under the stars, the Nautical Almanac connects you to the timeless art and science of finding your way.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO's Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 5:25 pm and is filed under Naval Observatory, U.S. Navy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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