Tsumeb Magnetic Observatory

Tsumeb Magnetic Observatory is a geomagnetic monitoring station roughly 12 kilometres northwest of the town of Tsumeb, Namibia.

About Tsumeb Magnetic Observatory

Rather than an astronomical observatory in the traditional sense, Tsumeb monitors Earth's magnetic field. It is a member of INTERMAGNET, the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network, and is currently operated by the South African National Space Agency, having originally been maintained by the Geological Survey of Namibia.

History

The observatory was established in July 1964 by the Hermanus Geophysical Observatory in South Africa, as part of the International Quiet Sun Years (IQSY) Programme.

Telescopes & research

Tsumeb provides high-quality geomagnetic data used for geomagnetic repeat surveys and secular variation models, contributing to global efforts to track how Earth's magnetic field changes over time.

Location & getting there

The site sits about 12 kilometres northwest of Tsumeb, a town in northern Namibia, in the Africa region.

Visiting Tsumeb Magnetic Observatory

As a scientific monitoring station rather than a visitor attraction, public access is limited; check with the South African National Space Agency or the Geological Survey of Namibia before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Even from a remote geomagnetic station like Tsumeb, the night sky above northern Namibia's dark skies is exceptional for spotting a named star. Name a star or check the catalogue for one near you.