Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory

Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory is a working scientific research station near Boulder, Colorado, rather than a public stargazing venue, but its story of continuous measurement is worth knowing before you visit the area.

About Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory

Operated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory (station code BOU) has continuously monitored Earth's magnetic field since it was established in 1961. Its data feeds directly into national space-weather forecasting, with the Space Weather Prediction Center and the Air Force Weather Agency among the facility's key customers.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits near Boulder, Colorado, in the North American Rocky Mountain foothills region, chosen in part for a setting with minimal electromagnetic interference that could disturb its sensitive instruments.

Visiting Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory

As a research and monitoring facility rather than a visitor attraction, the observatory does not appear to offer regular public tours. If you'd like to learn more or arrange contact, check the USGS geomagnetism program website before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory studies Earth's own magnetic field rather than the night sky, but Colorado's Front Range still offers excellent, dark stargazing conditions for viewing a named star. Look up your star's coordinates in the star catalogue and bring them to a local observatory or astronomy club for help finding it overhead.