Lviv Magnetic Observatory

Since 1932, the Lviv Magnetic Observatory has tracked the invisible pulse of Earth's magnetic field from western Ukraine, one of only three such stations in the country.

About Lviv Magnetic Observatory

Lviv Magnetic Observatory (designation LVV) was established in 1932 in Lviv, Ukraine, as one of three geomagnetic observatories in the country, alongside Kiev and Odesa. It is maintained by the Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

History

Historical data from the observatory's first years, 1932 to 1941, was lost. Observations resumed in 1952, and regular, absolute measurements began in 1958 using standard equipment of the time, including La Cour, Bobrov, QHM and BMZ instruments and a PM-1 magnetometer.

Telescopes & research

The station has since modernised its instrumentation, adding LEMI-008 digital variometers with GPS reference in 2004, a PSM-8811 digital station in 2009, a LEMI-203 DI fluxgate magnetometer and an MV-01 proton variation station. It contributes data to international geomagnetic monitoring networks supporting geophysical research.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Lviv, in western Ukraine, part of the Europe region. Check the map on this page for directions.

Visiting Lviv Magnetic Observatory

As a working geophysical research station rather than a public astronomy venue, visits are likely limited to scientific or educational purposes; contact the Institute of Geophysics for current access information.

See your named star from here

Lviv's instruments measure the planet's own magnetism rather than starlight, but the underlying idea — precise coordinates, precisely tracked — is the same one behind a named star from Star Register. Browse our catalogue to find your star's position and see it from an observatory built for the purpose.