NOAA, a US federal agency, forecasts weather, monitors oceans, charts seas, and protects marine life.
Founded
1970
Location
Washington, D.C., DC, US
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was founded on October 3, 1970, as a scientific and regulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce. Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, NOAA's core mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, while conserving and managing coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The agency provides critical services such as weather forecasting, oceanic and atmospheric monitoring, sea charting, deep-sea exploration, and the protection of marine life, including endangered species.
Notable figures affiliated with NOAA include its various administrators and the NOAA Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service of scientists and engineers. The agency has achieved significant milestones, such as launching advanced satellites like GOES-U for improved weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. NOAA's impact is profound, contributing to public safety, environmental conservation, and scientific advancement through its comprehensive data collection and analysis efforts.