Get information on and locations of geomagnetic observatories operated by the USGS and partners of the USGS geomagnetism program.
The USGS Geomagnetism Program currently operates 14 magnetic observatories. Magnetometer data are collected at these facilities, and the data are then transmitted to Program headquarters in Golden Colorado. The geographic distribution of the Program’s observatories, shown below, has been determined by the need to monitor and study the geomagnetic field on a global scale, primarily for purposes of space-weather diagnosis and main field modelling and mapping, as well as the practical issues of availability of land, communication and operational logistics, and the relative locations of observatories operated by other foreign-national programs.
Explore all of the USGS Geomagnetic observatories with this Google EarthTM download or browse each one below.
Non-USGS Publications
- Finn, C. A., A.M. Berarducci, USGS magnetic observatory operations, status and planned improvements, in Geodetic and Geophysical Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (ed.); [1212 p.]; 2009; [1 p.]; International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy IAGA 11. Scientific Assembly; Sopron (Hungary); 23-30 Aug 2009
- Herzog, D.C., 1992, Geomagnetic Data from the U.S. Magnetic Observatory Network, in NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, Types and Characteristics of Data for Geomagnetic Field Modeling p 321-332.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Honolulu Magnetic Observatory
Geoelectric monitoring at the Boulder magnetic observatory
Magnetic monitoring in Saguaro National Park
The Boulder magnetic observatory
The USGS geomagnetism program and its role in space weather monitoring
Proceedings of the XIIIth IAGA Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition, and Processing
- Overview
Get information on and locations of geomagnetic observatories operated by the USGS and partners of the USGS geomagnetism program.
The USGS Geomagnetism Program currently operates 14 magnetic observatories. Magnetometer data are collected at these facilities, and the data are then transmitted to Program headquarters in Golden Colorado. The geographic distribution of the Program’s observatories, shown below, has been determined by the need to monitor and study the geomagnetic field on a global scale, primarily for purposes of space-weather diagnosis and main field modelling and mapping, as well as the practical issues of availability of land, communication and operational logistics, and the relative locations of observatories operated by other foreign-national programs.
Explore all of the USGS Geomagnetic observatories with this Google EarthTM download or browse each one below.
Map of USGS Magnetic observatory locations. (Public domain.) Non-USGS Publications
- Finn, C. A., A.M. Berarducci, USGS magnetic observatory operations, status and planned improvements, in Geodetic and Geophysical Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (ed.); [1212 p.]; 2009; [1 p.]; International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy IAGA 11. Scientific Assembly; Sopron (Hungary); 23-30 Aug 2009
- Herzog, D.C., 1992, Geomagnetic Data from the U.S. Magnetic Observatory Network, in NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, Types and Characteristics of Data for Geomagnetic Field Modeling p 321-332.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Honolulu Magnetic Observatory
Tucked in a grove of thorny mesquite trees, on an ancient coral reef on the south side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, west of Pearl Harbor, a small unmanned observatory quietly records the Earth’s time-varying magnetic field. The Honolulu Magnetic Observatory is 1 of 14 that the U.S. Geological Survey Geomagnetism Program operates at various locations across the United States and its territoriesAuthorsJeffrey J. Love, Carol FinnGeoelectric monitoring at the Boulder magnetic observatory
Despite its importance to a range of applied and fundamental studies, and obvious parallels to a robust network of magnetic-field observatories, long-term geoelectric field monitoring is rarely performed. The installation of a new geoelectric monitoring system at the Boulder magnetic observatory of the US Geological Survey is summarized. Data from the system are expected, among other things, to beAuthorsCletus Blum, Tim White, Edward A. Sauter, Duff Stewart, Paul A. Bedrosian, Jeffrey J. LoveMagnetic monitoring in Saguaro National Park
On a sandy, arid plain, near the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center of Saguaro National Park, tucked in among brittlebush, creosote, and other hardy desert plants, is an unusual type of observatory—a small unmanned station that is used for monitoring the Earth’s variable magnetic field. Named for the nearby city of Tucson, Arizona, the observatory is 1 of 14 that the Geomagnetism Program of the U.S.AuthorsJeffrey J. Love, Carol Finn, Yesenia C. Gamez Valdez, Don SwannThe Boulder magnetic observatory
The Boulder magnetic observatory has, since 1963, been operated by the Geomagnetism Program of the U.S. Geological Survey in accordance with Bureau and national priorities. Data from the observatory are used for a wide variety of scientific purposes, both pure and applied. The observatory also supports developmental projects within the Geomagnetism Program and collaborative projects with allied geAuthorsJeffrey J. Love, Carol A. Finn, Kolby L. Pedrie, Cletus C. BlumThe USGS geomagnetism program and its role in space weather monitoring
Magnetic storms result from the dynamic interaction of the solar wind with the coupled magnetospheric-ionospheric system. Large storms represent a potential hazard for the activities and infrastructure of a modern, technologically based society [Baker et al., 2008]; they can cause the loss of radio communications, reduce the accuracy of global positioning systems, damage satellite electronics andAuthorsJeffrey J. Love, Carol A. FinnProceedings of the XIIIth IAGA Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition, and Processing
The thirteenth biennial International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory Instruments, Data Acquisition and Processing was held in the United States for the first time on June 9-18, 2008. Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Geomagnetism Program, the workshop's measurement session was held at the Boulder Observatory and the scientific sessioAuthorsJeffrey J. Love