UK scientists in awe-rora as national coverage of magnetic field complete for the first time

Five UK-made quantum magnetometers are being installed across the UK to provide complete national coverage of the magnetic field for the first time.

Quantum magnetometers are highly sensitive instruments that can detect variations in the Earth’s magnetic field with extreme precision. These new sensors will provide data to BGS that will give scientists a more comprehensive understanding of how the magnetic field changes during extreme magnetic storms. These are the same storms that trigger aurorae like those the UK experienced during May 2024.

During these storms, variations of the geomagnetic field can be large enough to cause localised effects on grounded technology such as power grids, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and railway signals. Until now, it has not been possible to study these regional variations using the three existing UK geomagnetic observatories. The new quantum magnetometers have been strategically placed around the country to fill in gaps in the national coverage and allow small-scale, local variations to be monitored.

The more that is known about the nature of magnetic storms — how often they occur, how big they can be and how they interact with our natural and artificial environments — the better scientists can advise Government, the public and industry on where the risks are to the technologies we rely on. This allows organisations such as the UK’s power distribution companies to take measures to protect supplies and services against the effects of space weather.

The quantum magnetometers have been developed and optimised by the University of Strathclyde and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space. The sites of these new sensors have been carefully selected across the UK and have been picked for their suitability for detecting magnetic signals with minimal interference. They are installed at:

• Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
• Boulby, Noth Yorkshire
• Blickling, Norfolk
• Chilbolton Observatory, Hampshire
• Thurso, Caithness

We are incredibly excited to be able to study the magnetic field around the UK in greater detail than ever before. The installation of the five new quantum magnetometers will help to fill in the gaps between the existing observatories and will improve our vision of the changes taking place during extreme magnetic storms.

These new measurements will greatly enhance our understanding of how extreme magnetic storms impact different parts of the country. This means that society in general will have access to the advice and information needed to understand where we are vulnerable to magnetic storms and to make informed decisions on how to mitigate against them.

Dr Ciarán Beggan, geophysicist at BGS.

The quantum magnetometers were developed through the UK National Quantum Technology Programme, specifically the Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing. The funding to build and deploy the sensors comes from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).