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Magnetometers

The Swedish Institute of Space Physics, IRF, operates a geomagnetic observatory at Kiruna (KIR) and a variometer station at Tormestorp (TOP).

Both stations continuously record short-term variations of the Earth’s magnetic field using three- component fluxgate magnetometers, known as variometers. KIR station also measures the absolute values of the total intensity of the Earth’s magnetic field continuously, and three components regularly, once a week, to support long-term observations.

The instruments used to measure the absolute values at KIR station include:

  • Overhauser magnetometer — records the total intensity (strength) of the magnetic field. Operates continuously.
  • Three-component fluxgate variometer — records the strength and direction of each field component. Operates continuously.
  • DI-fluxgate magnetometer — used for weekly absolute measurements to calibrate the other two instruments to the highest possible accuracy.

Each instrument type is presented in parallel by a primary and a backup unit, ensuring data continuity and the ability to identify and exclude artificial disturbances when needed.

ZNorth (geografical)Magnetic meridianEastDownwardsDIFHXY0F – total intensityH – horizontal intensityD – magnetic declination, azimuth of the fieldI – inclination of the fieldX – north componentY – east componentZ – vertical component
The components of the Earth’s magnetic field, where the origo (O) is the sensor position.

The first magnetic measurements at the KIR station were made in the late 1940s, while microfilm production started during the late 1950s, digital data has been recorded since the 1990s. The TOP station was established in 2018 and data are archived in a digital format.

KIR data are submitted to the WDC-C1 in Edinburgh and WDC-C2 in Kyoto (World Data Centre), INTERMAGNET (International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network) and the global network SuperMAG. IRF is also a member of IMAGE (International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects), and SWENET (Space Weather European Network), initiated by ESA.

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