Quantum Magnetometer to be Installed at Pwllpeiran

Quantum Magnetometer locations - red squares are new locations

IBERS is pleased to announce that the British Geological Survey (BGS) will be installing a quantum magnetometer at the Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre in March 2025. This cutting-edge instrument will contribute to research into space weather and Earth’s magnetic field as part of the Quantum Sensing for the Environmental Sciences programme. This installation strengthens collaborations between BGS, Aberystwyth University, RAL Space and the University of Strathclyde.

The installation will take place in two stages. On Tuesday, 25th March, BGS will install solar panels, connective wiring and a weatherproof enclosure to house the sensor. Once the infrastructure is in place, researchers from Strathclyde University will install the quantum magnetometer itself a few weeks later. The device will then begin streaming real-time data via the 4G network, which will be displayed on the BGS website.

Quantum magnetometers are highly sensitive instruments used to detect variations in the Earth's magnetic field with extreme precision. The data gathered from Pwllpeiran will support scientific studies in space weather monitoring and geophysical research, providing valuable insights into how solar activity affects the Earth’s environment. The new sensor will provide a high accuracy measurement every second for the next two years while the project runs.

BGS has been working closely with IBERS and Aberystwyth University’s Department of Physics to facilitate this installation. The site at Pwllpeiran was chosen due to its suitability for detecting magnetic signals with minimal interference, following the success of a six-week magnetotelluric study conducted in 2023. The location was chosen to fill in a significant ‘gap’ in magnetic field coverage between existing geomagnetic observatories in Devon and the Scottish Borders.

BGS is keen to engage with the university community and the wider public about this project. Interested staff and students are welcome to contact us to arrange a visit to the site during the installation process to learn more about the technology and its applications. The installation team has even invited visitors to assist with some hands-on tasks, such as digging the foundation for the sensor!

The communications teams at IBERS and BGS will be sharing updates on social media, and will continue to report on the progress of this exciting research development. Keep an eye on our news channels for further updates.

For more information about the quantum magnetometer project, please contact IBERS or visit the BGS website.

Share