Magnetometers are scientific instruments that measure the direction and strength of magnetic fields in the device’s location. They are used on Earth as well as in space exploration missions due to the magnetic fields’ significant variations based on the nature of the environment, interaction of charged particles from the sun, and the magnetosphere.

Why are Magnetometers Used?

Magnetometers not only measure a magnetic field’s local strength, they also determine their own direction and orientation. A magnetometer’s design is often tweaked to match the specific device quality that is most important to the user. Some magnetometers are designed with sensitivity that is great enough to detect increased sun activity before an observer can visually detect it, which provides an early warning of adverse effects on communications equipment. Magnetometers’ traditional purpose is to observe the Earth’s magnetic field, which fluctuates in various locations on the planet. They are also used to conduct research on specific regions of the Earth’s crust to find minerals such as iron. More recently, the devices have been used to measure the impact that people’s actions have on the Earth’s magnetic fields. Archaeologists use the devices to help find ship wrecks and other sites that may have magnetic substances, to help start digs or recovery efforts. Some ships also use a variation of the device to detect potential navigation hazards that have moved since they were last charted.

The Benefits of Studying the Earth’s Magnetic Field

The study of the Earth’s magnetic field provides scientists with a historical context regarding how the planet was created and has since evolved in order to apply these lessons to the future. Shifts in the Earth’s magnetic field are documented. This helps determine the impact of solar activity on the planet and how it will impact the future. Applications of this research include current/future communications and ship navigation.

Types of Magnetometers

The size and complexity of magnetometers vary. They are either portable or not depending on the designed use. A simple compass used for land navigation is one form of the device. Those used for space exploration are larger and more complex. The two basic types of magnetometer are: 1) Scaler – measures a magnetic field’s total strength and 2) Vector –  measures the magnetic field in a direction that is relative to the device’s orientation.