Ascension Island Magnetic Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
The Ascension Island Magnetic Observatory is a specialized geomagnetic facility operated by the British Geological Survey (BGS) on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, at an elevation of 177 meters. Established in September 1992 with financial support from an international consortium, it plays a crucial role in global magnetic monitoring.
About Ascension Island Magnetic Observatory
This observatory is not a traditional stargazing facility, but rather a scientific research center focused on measuring and tracking variations in Earth's magnetic field. The observatory is strategically positioned to improve the global distribution of geomagnetic monitoring stations, with particular importance for tracking the South Atlantic Anomaly - a region where Earth's magnetic field is unusually weak.
Equipment & research
The facility is equipped with a tri-axial linear-core fluxgate magnetometer manufactured by the Danish Meteorological Institute, which measures horizontal (H) and vertical (Z) components of the magnetic field, as well as variations in declination (D). A proton precession magnetometer (PPM) measures absolute total field intensity at high frequency, and raw data are transmitted to BGS offices in Edinburgh in near real-time via internet connections.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located 40 meters outside the perimeter fence of the Cable and Wireless Earth Station on Donkey Plain, on the south-west side of Ascension Island. Access to Ascension Island is restricted and typically requires authorization.
Scientific importance
The data collected here contribute to global magnetic modeling and help scientists understand changes in Earth's protective magnetic field, which has applications for space weather forecasting and long-term climate studies.
Name a star of your own
Whether or not you can visit Ascension Island Magnetic Observatory, you can dedicate a real, visible star through Star-Register. Name a star to receive its exact coordinates, or browse the star catalogue to look one up.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
