Learmonth Magnetic Observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
On the remote North West Cape of Western Australia, between the Indian Ocean and Exmouth Gulf, Learmonth Observatory has kept a constant watch on the Sun since 1979, feeding data into a worldwide space-weather network.
About Learmonth Observatory
Despite its official name, Learmonth Magnetic Observatory, the site functions primarily as a solar observatory, monitoring solar activity and flares as part of an international network that tracks the Sun's impact on satellites and communications systems. It is jointly operated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's Space Weather Forecasting Centre and the United States Air Force.
History
The observatory was established in 1979, marking its 40th anniversary in April 2019.
Location & getting there
Learmonth Observatory is located on North West Cape near Exmouth, Western Australia, a narrow peninsula flanked by the Indian Ocean to the west and Exmouth Gulf to the east.
Visiting Learmonth Observatory
As a joint operational facility run by the Bureau of Meteorology and the US Air Force, Learmonth Observatory does not function as a general tourist site; check with the Bureau of Meteorology for any public information before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
Learmonth's solar watchers track our own star around the clock, and Exmouth's remote, clear skies are just as suited to tracking a star of your own at night. Name a star with Star Register and get real coordinates to find with a telescope or stargazing app from this stretch of Western Australia. Browse our star-naming packages or search the star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
