Alert Magnetic Observatory

The Alert Magnetic Observatory is a geomagnetic research facility established in 1961 on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic, Northwest Territories. Located at 82.497° N latitude, it operates as one of the world's most northerly scientific observatories, dedicated to monitoring and studying Earth's magnetic field and seismic activity in this remote polar region.

History

In 1961, the Division of Geomagnetism of the Dominion Observatory (now part of Natural Resources Canada) established the geomagnetic observatory at Alert. The site was selected based on magnetic data collected during the International Geophysical Year (1957–1959), recognising Alert's ideal location for magnetic monitoring. A combined magnetic and seismic observatory was subsequently established at nearby Mould Bay that same summer.

Location & Getting There

Situated at Alert Meteorological Station on Ellesmere Island, at an elevation of 60 metres above sea level, the observatory occupies a protected area of approximately 160 metres on each side, with a 66-metre buffer zone to prevent magnetic interference. This northernmost Canadian settlement is accessible only by specialized arctic transport, serving as both a weather station and geomagnetic research facility in the high Arctic.

About Alert Magnetic Observatory

The observatory uses entirely non-magnetic materials - brass, aluminium, and copper rather than ferrous metals - in its construction to prevent interference with sensitive magnetic measurements. The seismic vault is connected to the main observatory building via a corridor and ante-room, allowing integrated monitoring of both geomagnetic and seismic data.

Research & Monitoring

The facility measures variations in Earth's magnetic field using digital instruments and maintains continuous seismic monitoring capabilities. This data contributes to global understanding of geomagnetic activity, space weather, and Arctic seismic events. Alert remains one of only two observatories of its specialised type in the world.

Visiting Alert Magnetic Observatory

The observatory is a restricted research facility accessible only to authorised personnel and research teams. Public visits are not available due to the extreme Arctic environment, remoteness, and sensitive nature of geomagnetic research operations. Scientists and government officials may arrange visits through Natural Resources Canada.

See Your Named Star From Here

From the northernmost observing location in this guide, imagine your named star visible above the Arctic ice. Explore our star catalogue to find stars in the continuous daylight of Arctic summers or the midnight sun phenomena unique to this latitude. Name your star through our packages and share in the wonder of the night sky from Earth's high Arctic.