Canberra Magnetic Observatory

In the Kowen Forest near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, the Canberra Magnetic Observatory keeps a continuous watch not on the stars but on the Earth's own magnetic field.

About Canberra Magnetic Observatory

This is a geomagnetic monitoring station rather than an astronomical observatory. Founded in 1986 as a replacement for the earlier Toolangi Observatory, it is operated by Geoscience Australia as part of the country's national geomagnetic monitoring network and contributes data to INTERMAGNET, the global network of observatories tracking Earth's magnetic field.

Telescopes & research

The station uses a proton-precession magnetometer with bias coils to measure fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field. Its data feeds research into how the magnetic field changes in response to processes deep underground, activity in the upper atmosphere, and the wider Earth-Sun space environment, and it plays a role in geophysics education and research across Australia.

Location & getting there

The observatory is set within Kowen Forest, a wooded area on the outskirts of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.

Visiting Canberra Magnetic Observatory

As a scientific monitoring station rather than a visitor attraction, it does not offer public astronomy viewing. If you're interested in visiting or learning more, check with Geoscience Australia directly.

See your named star from here

The Canberra Magnetic Observatory measures the Earth's magnetism rather than the night sky, but a star named through Star Register can still be found from Canberra or anywhere else, using the coordinates that come with your certificate. Name a star or browse the star catalogue to get started.