Magnetic observatories

The terrestrial magnetic field comes from internal events of the Earth, mostly related to the dynamo like functions of its fluid iron core, and of the external events, mainly related to the Sun activity. This solar activity causes magnetic storms and aurora borealis, disrupting the electrical supply networks in cities located at middle and high latitudes and breakdowns of satellites. Therefore, there is a strong link between the changes of the magnetic field and the human life.

The service of the magnetic observatories has the role of permanently recording and following the evolution of the magnetic field. The national observatory of "Chambon-la-Foret", near the city of "Orleans", is in the center of these activities. It operates the observatories of the IPGP around the world, sometimes as part of international co-operation. The IPGP is the center of the Central Office of Terrestrial magnetism (BCMT) which controls all the French magnetic observatories, as well as the leading force behind the creation of a world network of observatories INTERMAGNET. The links following explain more in detail the operation of the BCMT, INTERMAGNET, and the activities at "Chambon-la-Foret".