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Geomagnetism Program

We monitor the Earth's magnetic field. Using ground-based observatories, we provide continuous records of magnetic field variations; disseminate magnetic data to various governmental, academic, and private institutions; and conduct research into the nature of geomagnetic variations for purposes of scientific understanding and hazard mitigation.

News

Recently completed geophysical survey will help protect critical infrastructure from geomagnetic storms and space weather

Recently completed geophysical survey will help protect critical infrastructure from geomagnetic storms and space weather

5 Geomagnetic Storms That Reshaped Society

5 Geomagnetic Storms That Reshaped Society

The Monitor Newsletter - Vol. 12 | Issue July 2023 - Vol. 12 | Issue July 2023

Publications

The solar cycle, geology, and geoelectric hazards for power grids

When sunspots are large and numerous, intense magnetic storms are likely to occur on the Earth. Magnetic storms can generate electric fields in the Earth, and these fields can, in turn, interfere with electric power transmission grids that are grounded at the Earth’s surface. Across the contiguous United States, geoelectric hazards are highest in the Upper Midwest and in the East. These regions co
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, Steven Sobieszczyk, E. Joshua Rigler, Anna Kelbert, Kristen A. Lewis

Challenging ring-current models of the Carrington storm

A detailed analysis is made of horizontal-component geomagnetic-disturbance data acquired at the Colaba observatory in India recording the Carrington magnetic storm of September 1859. Prior to attaining its maximum absolute value, disturbance at Colaba increased with an e-folding timescale of 0.46 hr (28 min). Following its maximum, absolute disturbance at Colaba decreased as a trend having an e-f
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, Kalevi Mursula

On the uncertain intensity estimate of the 1859 Carrington storm

A study is made of the intensity of the Carrington magnetic storm of September 1859 as inferred from visual measurements of horizontal-component geomagnetic disturbance made at the Colaba observatory in India. Using data from modern observatories, a lognormal statistical model of storm intensity is developed, to characterize the maximum-negative value of the storm-time disturbance index (maximum –
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, E. Joshua Rigler, H. Hayakawa, Kalevi Mursula

Science

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Severe Magnetic Storm (ongoing)

October 10, 2024: 22:00 Eastern Time
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September 17, 2024 Magnetic Disturbance

Space Weather Events of September 16, 2024 - September 17, 2024 22:00 Eastern time
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September 17, 2024 Magnetic Disturbance

Space Weather Events of September 16, 2024 - September 17, 2024 22:00 Eastern time
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August 12, 2024 Magnetic Disturbance

Space Weather Events of August 12, 2024 - August 12, 2024 15:36 Eastern time
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August 12, 2024 Magnetic Disturbance

Space Weather Events of August 12, 2024 - August 12, 2024 15:36 Eastern time
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Multimedia

geomag video thumbnail 5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society (AD)
5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society (AD)
geomag video thumbnail 5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society
5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Image: Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Brick signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory and National Ocean Service.
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
More signs for Fredericksburg Magnetic Observatory.
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
Geomagnetism Fredericksburg
Northern lights and stars in sky with snowbank, hills, and trees in foreground.
Aurora Borealis
Aurora Borealis
pastel lights in night sky over mountains
Northern Lights
Northern Lights
Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms
Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms
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