Iznik Magnetic Observatory

Near the ancient town of İznik in Bursa Province, Turkey, the Iznik Magnetic Observatory keeps a continuous watch not on the stars but on the Earth's own magnetic field.

About Iznik Magnetic Observatory

The observatory is a geomagnetic research station operated by the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, about 100 km southeast of Istanbul. It carries the international IAGA code IZN and has been a member of the Intermagnet global network since 2007.

History

Observations began in June 2004 (some sources cite 2005), as part of Turkey's effort to build a modern geomagnetic monitoring network alongside its earthquake research.

Instruments & research

The station uses a DMI three-component sensor together with a DMI three-axis fluxgate magnetometer and a PC-based HDZ data logger as its variometer, recording continuous data used for geomagnetic monitoring and earthquake research.

Location & getting there

Iznik Magnetic Observatory sits near İznik (the ancient Nicaea) in Bursa Province, Turkey, roughly 100 km southeast of Istanbul.

Visiting Iznik Magnetic Observatory

As a scientific monitoring station rather than a public attraction, it is not generally set up for visitor tours; researchers or the curious should contact the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute directly.

See your named star from here

Iznik Magnetic Observatory itself is built for tracking magnetic fields, not stars, but the wider İznik and Bursa region offers open countryside for stargazing. If you have named a star with Star Register, you can find its coordinates using our app on a clear night nearby — see our star-naming packages or the catalogue.