Geomagnetic observatory Budkov

The National Geomagnetic Observatory is located near Budkov in southern Bohemia. Since 1996, the observatory fulfills the highest international standards and is a certified INTERMAGNET Observatory.

Geomagnetic field changes are recorded using three-axis ferromagnetic sensor DMI, whose signal is sampled and stored instantly, enabling real-time acquisition of digital data. Observatory loggers are able to record magnetic field changes, even at second intervals with quantization step of 50 pT. Mobile magnetometer of Overhauser type (using Overhauser effect) is recording in second intervals with quantization step of 10 pT. Permanent measurements are completed every 10 days by absolute measurement of the geomagnetic field using CARL – ZEISS non – ferromagnetic theodolite, which is an extension of the BARTINGTON (D&I Flux) ferromagnetic sensor. Detailed information about all (even backup) instruments are specified in yearbooks for the given period.

High-quality digital registration of the time course of the geomagnetic field, including the implementation of field measurements, is currently a necessary requirement for Earth magnetic field research. Traditional research thus changes into a modern way of obtaining data and becomes one of the pillars of predictions of geomagnetic activity. Data is delivered to the World Data Center in Boulder (USA) and one of the INTERMAGNET International Centers in Edinburgh (Scotland).