Scott Base Magnetic Observatory

Scott Base Magnetic Observatory is a geomagnetic monitoring station at Arrival Heights on Ross Island, Antarctica, that has been recording Earth's magnetic field continuously since the International Geophysical Year of 1957.

About Scott Base Magnetic Observatory

Run by GNS Science, New Zealand's geoscience research organisation, the observatory sits about three kilometres from Scott Base and gathers data used well beyond Antarctica's shores.

History

The station has operated without interruption since 1957, making it one of the longest-running geomagnetic records from the polar regions.

Telescopes & research

Instruments housed in two huts at the site include a fluxgate magnetometer, a proton magnetometer, and a DIM magnetometer. Because of its proximity to the South Pole, the observatory is especially valuable for studying how the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere, and its data feeds into aurora forecasting, satellite calibration, and broader space weather research.

Location & getting there

The site is on Ross Island in Antarctica, one of the most remote research locations on Earth, accessible only through Antarctic research logistics rather than ordinary travel.

Visiting Scott Base Magnetic Observatory

This is a working scientific station in Antarctica, not a public visitor attraction; access is limited to research personnel and support staff. Anyone with a genuine research interest should check with GNS Science or Antarctica New Zealand directly.

See your named star from here

While Scott Base's instruments watch the magnetic field rather than the stars, the same polar skies above Ross Island are some of the clearest anywhere for viewing the night sky. If you've named a star, its coordinates work anywhere on Earth, including from far southern latitudes; browse the star catalogue to find yours.