Discover the Cosmos: Astronomical Phenomena 2027 Now Available!

July 11, 2025

Get ready for an awe-inspiring year under the stars in 2027! We are thrilled to announce that the New! Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2027 publication is now available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore.

This small, yet incredibly helpful booklet is a must-have for every skywatcher. It contains general interest material preprinted directly from The Astronomical Almanac, a definitive guide published jointly by the U.S. Naval Observatory and His Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office. Released two years in advance, it gives you a head start on planning your celestial observations.

The Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2027 is packed with essential information, including:

  • Exact dates for Solar equinoxes, solstices, and phases of the Moon.
  • Detailed eclipse maps, so you can pinpoint the best viewing locations for these spectacular events.
  • Dates for various planetary phenomena, offering insights into when to spot your favorite planets.
  • Visibility and magnitudes of the planets, helping you identify them in the night sky.
  • Dates for some religious and civil holidays, for broader chronological context.
  • Chronological eras and cycles.
  • The equation of time and declination of the Sun.
  • Accurate sunrise/sunset and moonrise/sunset times to perfectly time your observations.
  • The precise position of Polaris, the dependable North Star.

The cosmos has an abundance in store for skywatchers in 2027! From dazzling meteor showers to captivating lunar and solar eclipses and intriguing planetary alignments, this publication provides the precise data you’ll need to mark your calendar. Get ready to witness the magic of events like annual meteor showers that streak across the night sky and the rare beauty of lunar eclipses, where the Moon is transformed by Earth’s shadow.

Be sure to secure your copy of the Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2027 to ensure you have all the precise dates and times for these and many other celestial occurrences that will surprise and delight you throughout the year.

Happy stargazing!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Click here to purchase Astronomical Phenomena For The Year 2027

Click here to purchase Nautical Almanac For The Year 2026

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Curious about the Cosmos in 2025? Explore the Astronomical Almanac

April 28, 2025

Calling all astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts! The Astronomical Almanac for the Year 2025 is now available from the U.S Government Bookstore.

The Astronomical Almanac contains a wide variety of both technical and general astronomical information. It is published jointly by the U.S. Nautical Almanac Office at the U.S. Naval Observatory and Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office in the UK, and contains data supplied by many scientists from around the world.

A brief overview of the data available within this yearly updated astronomical resource includes:

  • Phenomena – information on the seasons, phases of the Moon, configurations of the planets, eclipses, etc.                     
  • Time-Scales and Coordinate Systems – calendar information, relationships between time scales, universal, and, sidereal times, Earth rotation angle,
  • Sun – Moon – Planetsdetailed positional information,
  • Stars and Stellar Systemsmean places for bright stars, double stars, UBVRI standards,
  • Tables and DataJulian dates, selected astronomical constants, relations between time scales.

The Astronomical Almanac is an excellent resource for commercial and military travel. It helps ensure safer travel and further assists in navigation by air and sea.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Discover the Cosmos: NEW 2025 NASA Science Calendar

December 31, 2024

Embark on a celestial journey through the universe’s wonders with the official 2025 NASA Science Calendar. Each month, immerse yourself in breathtaking images captured by NASA’s cutting-edge telescopes and spacecraft. From distant galaxies to the rugged terrain of Mars, this calendar offers a front-row seat to the marvels of space exploration.

Benefits of 2025 NASA Science Calendar:

  • Stunning Imagery: Adorn your walls with awe-inspiring photographs of nebulas, planets, and celestial phenomena.
  • Informative Captions: Learn fascinating facts about space science and the missions behind the images.
  • Practical Design: Convenient monthly calendar format to keep you organized throughout the year.
  • Perfect Gift: Surprise space enthusiasts of all ages with a unique and educational gift.
  • Stay Informed: It’s a great way to stay informed about NASA’s latest discoveries and missions.

Other exciting revelations about the experiences of space exploration include:

The Sun, the Earth, and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System. This colorful book provides concise explanations and descriptions that are easily read and readily understood of what is now known about the chain of events and processes that connect the Sun to the Earth, with special emphasis on space weather and sun-climate.

Hubble Science Year in Review Book and Companion Poster. This historic companion set describes the history and accomplishments of the Hubble space telescope. Includes color photographs and diagrams.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring the universe into your home. Order your 2025 NASA Science Calendar today!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Unique and Thoughtful Gift Ideas

December 12, 2024

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re searching for that special gift, let the federal government help with popular, practical, and unique gift ideas. This year, consider gifts that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and celebrate our beautiful planet. From space enthusiasts to nature lovers and young learners, we’ve covered you with these out-of-this-world gift ideas.

Here are popular gift ideas from the U.S. Government Bookstore that will delight everyone on your list.

The 2025 NASA Science Calendar is a must-have for the space enthusiast in your life. This calendar features stunning images of planets, galaxies, and astronauts and is a daily reminder of the universe’s wonders. It’s a great way to stay organized and get inspired.

Outdoor lovers can bring the beauty of nature into their homes with beautiful National Park posters. With choices ranging from the iconic Rocky Mountains to Canyon Country National Park and more, these posters are perfect for framing and displaying in any room. They’re a great conversation starter and a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

For the little ones in your life, the Discover MyPlate activity booklets are a fun and educational way to learn about healthy eating. These booklets help build literacy and teach kids about different food groups and portion sizes. They’re a great way to encourage healthy habits while having fun.

These gifts will surely be a hit with people of all ages. They’re perfect for anyone who loves learning, exploring, and appreciating the beauty of our planet.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Earth Science Week: Celebrate Our Planet

October 15, 2024

Earth Science Week, celebrated October 13-19, is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and engaging learners of all ages about the Earth sciences. It aims to promote environmental protection and raise awareness about the challenges facing our planet.

An accessible and fascinating resource relevant to Earth Science Week is The Sun, the Earth, and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System, a paperback publication from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) available from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Online Bookstore.

This colorful book provides concise explanations and descriptions that are easily read and readily understood of what is now known about the chain of events and processes that connect the Sun to the Earth, with special emphasis on space weather. The book’s insights can significantly enhance our understanding of the Earth-Sun relationship. Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by solar activity. The book also covers the sun’s impact on climate. Limited quantities of this popular publication are now available for a 50% discount.

Here are some ways to get involved in Earth Science Week:

  • Host an event. You can host an event at your school, library, or community center. You can also host an event online.
  • You can volunteer at an Earth Science Week event, local park, or museum.
  • Educate others. You can educate others about Earth science by talking to your friends and family or writing a blog post or article.

Take time to learn about Earth Science Week and celebrate our amazing planet!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


Celebrating National Aviation Week

August 16, 2024

National Aviation Week, celebrated August 19-25, is a yearly observance to celebrate the history and development of aviation. American innovation came to flight in December 1903, when Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew a powered aircraft four times, with the longest flight that day being 852 feet!

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore offers the following popular aviation publications.

The FAA Safety Briefing magazine provides updates on major Federal Aviation Administration rule changes and proposed changes and refresher information on flight rules, maintenance airworthiness, avionics, accident analysis, and other topics. It is a must-have for pilots, air traffic controllers, airplane maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in ensuring safe flying.

Naval Aviation News is the flagship publication of naval aviation. It is a military magazine that presents articles of interest on all phases of United States Navy and Marine Corps air activity.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Aviation Week:

  • Learn about aviation history: Discover the fascinating stories of the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and other aviation pioneers.
  • Explore local aviation museums: Visit museums and exhibits that showcase the evolution of flight and the technology behind it.
  • Attend aviation events: Participate in air shows, fly-ins, and other events that celebrate the joy of flying.
  • Support aviation education: Encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.

Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate aviation’s incredible achievements and the positive impact it has had on our lives.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

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).


NEW! 2024 NASA Science Calendar

February 21, 2024

Rho Ophiuchi

The National Aeronautics Space Administration’s (NASA) much anticipated 2024 NASA Science Calendar is now available from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Online Bookstore. The NASA Science Calendar is a yearly publication that features stunning imagery of the cosmos, informative articles about NASA’s missions, and important dates to remember. It’s a great way to stay current on what’s happening in space exploration and learn more about the universe around us.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2024 NASA Science Calendar:

January: Rho Ophiuchi. The first anniversary image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope displays star birth like it’s never been seen before, full of detailed, impressionistic texture. The subject is the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the closest star-forming region to Earth.

Sun Emits X1.2 Flare

February: Sun Emits X1.2 Flare. An X1.2-class solar flare flashes on the left edge of this image of the Sun, captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on January 5, 2023. The image shows a blend of light from the 171- and 131-angstrom wavelengths, which highlight the Sun’s corona and flaring regions. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy.

Bloomin’ Atlantic

March: Bloomin’ Atlantic. Vibrant swirls of green and turquoise appeared in the North Atlantic for several weeks in April 2023. Some of the color is due to an abundance of phytoplankton, floating plant-like organisms. Although they are microscopic, large groups of phytoplankton are visible from space, as revealed in this image captured by the NASA  –U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat 9 Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) instrument.

There is more amazing imagery, “From fire to water to ice and beyond, NASA Science is exploring the universe,” in the new 2024 NASA Science Calendar.

The NASA Science Calendar remains one of our best sellers. Grab your copy while supplies last!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

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


Celebrate Park and Recreation Month

July 18, 2023

Park and Recreation Month is held annually in July to promote the importance of parks and recreation in our communities. And with summer’s longer days, there is no better time to take a stroll, picnic, or pursue other outdoor leisure activities. If you are into astronomy or a star-watching enthusiast, the U.S. Government Bookstore offers publications to help with outdoor recreation activities, such as stargazing.

Before setting out on a night-time adventure under the stars, pick up the Astronomical Almanac, where you can study a wide variety of technical and general astronomical information. It is a worldwide resource for fundamental astronomical data and contains data supplied by many scientists from around the world. The Astronomical Almanac is also an excellent resource for commercial pilots, sailors, and the military to strengthen safer travel and further assist in navigation by both air and sea.

One of life’s great experiences is to find yourself with loved ones in a campground tent, looking up at celestial wonders in a deep blue night sky. Take a trip to outer space by browsing our collection of resources produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), highlighting Earth’s beauty from space through photographic images covering Earth’s wonders.

There are many ways to celebrate Park and Recreation Month in your community:

  • Visit your local park or recreation center
  • Participate in a park and recreation program
  • Volunteer your time to help maintain a park or recreation facility
  • Attend a Park and Recreation Month event
  • Spread the word about the importance of parks and recreation on social media

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Park and Recreation Month is a great opportunity to appreciate the many benefits that parks and recreation provide to our communities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).


2022 Explore Science Calendar

January 12, 2022

Want to take a trip to outer-space? Here’s a great (and inexpensive) way to experience the beauty of a world beyond Earth’s atmosphere. NASA’s new 2022 Explore Science planner features spectacular photography of NASA’s exploration of our planet.

Here are a few excerpts from the calendar:

January — Return to the Veil Nebula. “The Veil Nebula is the visible portion of the nearby Cygnus Loop, a supernova remnant formed roughly 10,000 years ago by the death of a massive star. The Veil Nebula’s progenitor star—which was 20 times the mass of our Sun—lived fast and died young, ending its life in a cataclysmic release of energy. Despite this stellar explosion, the shock waves and debris from the supernova sculpted the Veil Nebula’s delicate tracery of ionized gas, creating a scene of surprising astronomical beauty.”

April — GOES West Captures Two Hurricanes and the Smoke of California Wildfires. “On August 25, 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) West captured this dynamic GeoColor image of North America, where wildfires ravaged the drought-plagued West and Southwest United States. The resulting hazy gray shroud of smoke spread over much of the country. Over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Laura can be seen heading toward Louisiana and eastern Texas while the remnants of Hurricane Marco swirl over the Southeast. In the image, smoke can be seen filling California’s Central Valley.”

October— Something Out There Is Watching You. “Do you ever look up at the night sky and feel like someone, or something, may be looking back at you? This Halloween image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope may convince you that you are right! But don’t expect to see these cosmic eyes without a face if you search the night sky with your own binoculars or telescope, as they are completely cloaked from view in visible light. They can only be found by telescopes that can see infrared light.”

Hurry and purchase this popular calendar at the GPO U.S. Government Online Bookstore while supplies last!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.


Aviation History Month

November 23, 2021

American innovation came to flight in December 1903 when Orville and Wilbur Wright flew a powered aircraft successfully four times, with the longest flight that day being 852 feet!

In celebration of Aviation History Month and all of the Americans who have contributed to humankind’s ability to fly, the GPO bookstore has assembled a collection of publications focusing on aviation.

Visit the U.S. Government Bookstore and browse a variety of aviation-oriented publications ranging from commercial aviation to titles published by the Department of Defense. Notable titles include FAA Safety Briefing (great for civilian pilots), and the Air Force Reserve publication, Citizen Airman.

Fly high, fly safely, those who take to the air, whether for pleasure, commercial ventures or in service to the nation.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.


Space Exploration Day

July 20, 2021

Space Exploration Day is celebrated on July 20th. On this important day in 1969, America’s Apollo 11 mission safely landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin on the moon’s surface. Today space venture has become the norm with multiple private projects of individuals preparing for open space endeavors.

The National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) remains the lead force not only in space exploration but also in developing products derived from the scientific endeavors necessary to support the increasingly challenging missions NASA performs as it seeks to reach new heights in space exploration.

The Government Publishing Office online bookstore offers a collection of publications featuring the exploits and wonders of the NASA program from its earliest days until today. At the online bookstore find publications from books with spectacular photography from above planet earth featuring phytoplankton blooms in the Western North Atlantic Ocean to commercial products developed from NASA’s technological efforts highlighting dozens of technologies such as self-guided cars, patient care and more. It’s all at https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/aerospace-astronomy-space-exploration.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.


Data Privacy Day

January 28, 2020

In a 2019 interview with ABC News, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “The people who track on the internet know a lot more about you than if somebody’s looking in your window. A lot more.”

We’re not sure about you, but we don’t want anyone looking in our window!

In honor of Data Privacy Day on January 28, we’re bringing you some educational resources about data privacy. According to Stay Safe Online, millions of people are uneducated about how their information is being used and shared. Its website says Data Privacy Day is meant to “inspire dialogue” about data sharing and educate those who might not know the extent to which their information is being collected.

While technology becomes more sophisticated, companies are becoming better at gathering data, which makes for a scary combination. Even if you think you’re taking all the right steps to being safe online, we encourage you to read on.

You might not specifically add your birthday or place of work to your Facebook profile. But, did you know that information may very well still be collected from photos or posts? Not to mention, even more specific personal details about your life, such as where you’ve been on vacation, what music you like to listen to, and even where you’ve gone during the day, can also be collected. A New York Times article called “Your Apps Know Where You Were Last Night, and They’re Not Keeping It Secret” explains that apps are often misleading when they prompt people to give location permission. “An app may tell users that granting access to their location will help them get traffic information, but not mention that the data will be shared and sold,” the article reads. Yes, that means the locations of everywhere you go – your Doctor’s office, your kid’s school, and even your home – can be shared.

If the thought of someone virtually following you home wasn’t enough, here are a few statistics about data privacy that might surprise you

  • 21% of online users are the victim of account hacking, including hacked email and social media accounts
  • 11% of online users have been the victim of data theft, including stolen credit card information, bank account numbers, and social security numbers
  • 41% of children ages 8–17 have public profiles, which is an open invitation for predators

So what can you do to avoid someone looking in your virtual window? Start educating yourself and those around you with these Federal publications about online safety.

Social Media: The Fastest Growing Vulnerability to the Air Force Mission explains how social media is the fastest growing vulnerability to the military mission and the personal security of all Airmen. This paper includes recommendations of the best practice for safe cyberspace operations. If you are a member of the Air Force, check out this publication for staying safe on social media and protecting your critical missions.

Cyberspace: Malevolent Actors, Criminal Opportunities, and Strategic Competition from the Department of the Army and Strategic Studies Institute is a report that provides cyberspace decision-makers with a more comprehensive, clearer description of what cyberspace is and how the government can improve upon cybersecurity. The report offers recommendations on dealing with cyberspace. It has three parts: the first focuses on cyberspace; the second focuses on the types of threats that have become prevalent; and the third covers possible responses to these threats.

Children are some of the most vulnerable to online threats and dangers to privacy. Educate your children early and often about online safety. Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids About Being Online from the Federal Trade Commission is here to help you do it. The guide provides parents with tips on talking to their children about using computers, smart phones, and other mobile devices and apps and tells adults what they can do to monitor their children’s devices. It also provides parents tips on telling their children how to recognize whether or not they’re receiving inappropriate content as well as how to create secure passwords and protect their personal information.

Our personal information is much more valuable than we realize! If you’re passionate about protecting your personal data, be sure to check out these Federal publications at the GPO Bookstore.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.