Pilar Magnetic Observatory

Pilar Magnetic Observatory has monitored Earth's geomagnetic field from Pilar, in Córdoba province, Argentina, continuously since 1904.

About Pilar Magnetic Observatory

Pilar Magnetic Observatory is one of the oldest and most important scientific observatories in Argentina and Latin America. It was the first site on the continent to carry out permanent, continuous geomagnetic observations, and its early measurements contributed to the creation of the first isogonic chart of South America.

History

The observatory was founded on 1 July 1904 on a six-hectare property along the Xanaes River. It has operated without interruption since then, making it one of the longest-running scientific stations in the region.

Telescopes & research

Rather than optical telescopes, Pilar Magnetic Observatory runs geomagnetic, meteorological and seismological instruments, an electrometer, a sunspot telescope and solar radiation sensors. The site was modernised in 2010 with the digital INDIGO geomagnetic recording system and joined INTERMAGNET, the global network of magnetic observatories, in 2012.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on a six-hectare site along the Xanaes River in Pilar, Córdoba province, Argentina.

Visiting Pilar Magnetic Observatory

As a working scientific monitoring station, general visiting hours aren't widely published; check with the operating institution before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Pilar Magnetic Observatory tracks Earth's magnetic field rather than the night sky, but it does keep a sunspot telescope trained on the sun. A star named through Star Register comes with exact coordinates you can use with any telescope under the clear Córdoba skies nearby. Name a star or browse the star catalogue to find yours.