Mawson Magnetic Observatory

Mawson Magnetic Observatory is a geomagnetic observatory located at Mawson Station in Antarctica.

About Mawson Magnetic Observatory

The observatory continuously monitors Earth's ever-changing magnetic field as part of both Australian and international observatory networks, feeding data used for maritime and aviation navigation, airborne geophysical surveys, and space weather research. It is also part of INTERMAGNET, the international network of magnetic observatories, and supports seismic monitoring under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

History

Mawson Station was established in 1954, making it Australia's oldest Antarctic station and the oldest continuously inhabited station south of the Antarctic Circle. In 1955, the magnetic absolute hut used for observatory measurements was transported from Heard Island and deliberately sited apart from the main station to minimise interference from metal structures.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located at Mawson Station in Antarctica, one of the most remote and extreme environments hosting scientific instrumentation anywhere on Earth.

Visiting Mawson Magnetic Observatory

Mawson Station is an active Antarctic research base with no public visiting access; travel there is restricted to personnel supporting Australia's Antarctic science programme. Those interested in its work can follow updates through the Australian Antarctic Division.

See your named star from here

Few places on Earth feel as far from everyday life as Antarctica, yet the same night sky stretches overhead there as everywhere else. Somewhere in it is the star you've named with Star Register; find its coordinates any time in our star catalogue.