Editing Observatory (section)

==Magnetic observatories==
A magnetic observatory is a facility which precisely measures the total intensity of Earth's [[magnetic field]] for field strength and direction at standard intervals. Geomagnetic observatories are most useful when located away from human activities to avoid disturbances of anthropogenic origin, and the observation data is collected at a fixed location continuously for decades. Magnetic observations are aggregated, processed, quality checked and made public through data centers such as [[International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network|INTERMAGNET]].<ref>Gupta, Harsh (ed) (2021). [https://books.google.com/books?id=BHgOwNCGbnAC&pg=PA774 ''Encyclopedia of Solid Earth Geophysics''], Springer {{ISBN|9783030586300}}, p. 774.</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Fwpqqur1KCIC&pg=PA57 ''Principal Facts of the Earth's Magnetism''] U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1919 pp57-59</ref>

The types of measuring equipment at an observatory may include [[magnetometer]]s (torsion, declination-inclination fluxgate, proton precession, Overhauser-effect), variometer (3-component vector, total-field scalar), [[dip circle]], [[inclinometer]], earth inductor, [[theodolite]], self-recording magnetograph, magnetic declinometer, azimuth compass. Once a week at the absolute reference point calibration measurements are performed.<ref>Jankowski, J. and Sucksdorff, C. (1996) ''IAGA Guide for Magnetic Measurements and Observatory Practice'' {{ISBN|0965068625}}</ref>

Example magnetic observatories include:
* 1833 [[Göttingen Observatory]], Germany
* 1840 [[Toronto Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory]], Canada
* 1842 [[King's Observatory|Kew Observatory]], UK
* 1904 [[Eskdalemuir Observatory]], UK
* 1961 [[Boulder Geomagnetic Observatory]], Colorado