Sitka Magnetic Observatory

On the coast of Sitka, Alaska, a quiet scientific station has been recording the invisible pulses of Earth's magnetic field for well over a century. Sitka Magnetic Observatory is one of the longest-running geomagnetic monitoring sites in the United States.

About Sitka Magnetic Observatory

The observatory measures Earth's magnetic field for use in nautical and aeronautical charts, and its data feeds into international research on upper atmospheric and space physics. A seismometer at the site also supports the National Tsunami Warning Center, making it a dual-purpose facility for geomagnetism and seismology.

History

The site's scientific roots go back to an original Russian observatory that operated in Sitka from 1842 to 1867. The modern observatory was established in 1901 by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey and became operational on January 1, 1902, with a seismological observatory added later that year. The current facility site was established in 1940 and is operated in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.

Location & getting there

Sitka Magnetic Observatory is located in Sitka, Alaska, on the Pacific coast of the state's panhandle, a region reachable by air or ferry given its island setting.

Visiting Sitka Magnetic Observatory

As a working scientific monitoring station rather than a public attraction, it's best to check with the USGS Geomagnetism Program for any visiting or tour policies before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

A place that has tracked the sky's invisible forces for so long is a fitting spot to think about the stars above it. Name a star to get its exact coordinates, or explore the catalogue of stars named by others - any observatory can point a telescope toward those coordinates on a clear night.