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Eskdalemuir Magnetic Observatory

Photo of entrance to Eskdalemuir Observatory Photo of the grounds of to Eskdalemuir Observatory
Name Eskdalemuir
IAGA code ESK
Location Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom
Latitude 55.314° N
Longitude 356.794° E
Elevation 245m
Geomagnetic Latitude 57.546° N
Geomagnetic Longitude 83.279° E
Orientation HDZF
In Operation since: 1908
INTERMAGNET member since: 1991

Geomagnetic coordinates are approximations calculated using the 13th generation IGRF at epoch 2020.5.

Background

Eskdalemuir Observatory is situated in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. It is on a rising shoulder of open moorland in the upper part of the valley of the river White Esk. It is surrounded by young conifer forests with hills rising to nearly 700 m to the NW. The observatory is 100 km from Edinburgh and 25 km from the towns of Langholm and Lockerbie.

Eskdalemuir is a synoptic meteorological station involved in measurement of solar radiation, levels of atmospheric pollution, and in chemical sampling. The observatory operates a US standard seismograph and an International Deployment Accelerometer Program long-period sensor. BGS has a broadband three-component seismometer set installed at the observatory and records data from four remote sites transmitted to the observatory by radio link.

The observatory opened in 1908. It was built because of disruption to geomagnetic measurements at Kew Observatory following the advent of electric tramcars at the beginning of the 20th century. BGS took over responsibility for magnetic observations from the Meteorological Office in 1968.

There is one BGS staff member stationed at the observatory.

Eskdalemuir magnetic observatory is part of the INTERMAGNET network.

New measurements, new research

In June 2012 two high frequency (100 Hz) induction coil magnetometers were installed at Eskdalemuir.
In November 2012 two electrode pairs were installed to measure the geo-electric field.

Collaboration

Eskdalemuir is an ideal remote sensing location for many physical observations. We host a number of instruments for collaborators including:

WMO Centennial Observing Station status

In 2019 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) awarded Eskdalemuir Observatory a Centennial Observing Station status. The WMO reconsides stations that provide long-term, high-quality climate records. These records help inform current and future generations about climate variability and trends and this new status will go some way to ensure the long-term sustainability of these measurements.

Video tour

Data

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