L'Aquila Magnetic Observatory

L'Aquila Magnetic Observatory is a geophysical research station near L'Aquila, in Italy's Abruzzo region, dedicated to monitoring the Earth's magnetic field rather than the night sky.

About L'Aquila Magnetic Observatory

Known by the IAGA code AQU, this is one of only two geomagnetic observatories in central Italy. It is operated by INGV, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, and sits at an elevation of 682 metres.

History

The tectono-magnetic network at the site began operations in 1989.

Instruments & research

The observatory is equipped with tri-axial fluxgate and Overhauser magnetometers, which track ultra-low frequency variations and the total strength of the Earth's magnetic field. Its measurements have played a role in monitoring seismic activity in the region, notably following the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at 42°23'N, 13°19'E, at 682 metres elevation near L'Aquila, in Italy's Abruzzo region.

Visiting L'Aquila Magnetic Observatory

As a scientific monitoring station operated by INGV, this is primarily a research facility rather than a public visitor site. Anyone interested in touring it should contact INGV directly rather than turning up unannounced.

See your named star from here

L'Aquila Magnetic Observatory watches the Earth's magnetic field rather than the stars, but the same Abruzzo sky stretches above it. Use the star catalogue or browse the naming packages to find exactly where your named star sits, wherever you end up looking up from in the region.