Sonmiani Magnetic Observatory

About 80 kilometres from Karachi and just a kilometre from the coast, the Sonmiani Magnetic Observatory keeps a continuous watch on the Earth's magnetic field for Pakistan's Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

About Sonmiani Magnetic Observatory

The observatory relocated to its current site near Sonmiani in 2008, moving away from growing urban encroachment at its previous location. In 2007 it was upgraded with equipment from the British Geological Survey, including an EDA fluxgate magnetometer with a digitizer and GPS receiver.

Telescopes & research

Sonmiani Magnetic Observatory measures the H, D and Z components of the Earth's geomagnetic field, recording the effects of solar flares and magnetic storms. It holds certification from the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) and hosts international workshops on geomagnetism and ionospheric research.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits near Sonmiani on Pakistan's coast, roughly 80 kilometres from Karachi and about a kilometre inland from the shoreline.

Visiting Sonmiani Magnetic Observatory

As a specialised research station operated by SUPARCO, visiting arrangements are best confirmed directly with SUPARCO before travelling.

See your named star from here

While this station's instruments read the Earth's own magnetic field rather than the stars, Pakistan's clear coastal skies are still a fine setting to track a named star's coordinates with a telescope. If you've named a star, its position is ready to find, or browse the star catalogue to see what's already been named.