Ottawa Magnetic Observatory

The Ottawa Magnetic Observatory is a geomagnetic monitoring station east of Ottawa, Canada, operated by Natural Resources Canada.

About the Ottawa Magnetic Observatory

Unlike a stargazing site, this is a magnetic observatory: it continuously measures the strength and direction of Earth's magnetic field. It became fully operational on 1 July 1968, replacing the earlier Agincourt Observatory, which had run from 1898 to 1969.

History

The observatory was established in 1968 by the federal Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, the predecessor of today's Natural Resources Canada, specifically to take over geomagnetic monitoring from the ageing Agincourt site.

Telescopes & research

Rather than telescopes, the site relies on a variometer building, an air-conditioned electronics control building, and two absolute buildings fitted with marble instrument piers to keep magnetic readings free of interference. It forms part of the Geomagnetic Monitoring Service and the Geomagnetic Hazards Project run by the Government of Canada.

Location & getting there

The observatory is sited to the east of Ottawa, Ontario, chosen for its distance from urban electrical and magnetic interference.

Visiting the Ottawa Magnetic Observatory

As a working scientific monitoring station, it is not set up as a public visitor attraction; contact Natural Resources Canada directly for any access enquiries.

See your named star from here

The Ottawa Magnetic Observatory itself is dedicated to Earth's magnetic field rather than the night sky, but if you name a star with Star Register, its coordinates work anywhere. Browse the catalogue of named stars, or find a dedicated stargazing site among our observatories for an actual viewing.