GEOMAGNETISM HOMEPAGE  EXPLANATION
AND WEBSITE CREDITS

The satellite perspective map seen on the homepage depicts the magnetic declination (degrees east) for the year 2000 as approximated by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF). The gray dots represent the locations of USGS geomagnetic observatories. For more information see our Models, Charts, and Movies pages, for a general discussion of declination and why charts need to be periodically updated see our Introduction to Geomagnetism page.

The stackplot of data depicted behind the globe is of the horizontal component of the magnetic field recorded at USGS observatories during the magnetic storm of 12-16 March 1989. For data requests see our Observatory Data page, for a general discussion of geomagnetic storms see our Introduction to Geomagnetism page.

The banner seen on the website is a photograph of the aurora borealis taken by LeRoy Zimmerman of PhotoSymphony Productions, Inc. As explained in our  Frequently Asked Questions page, aurorae are visual manifestations of magnetic-field activity.

The website of the Geomagnetism Program was designed by Jeffrey J Love and developed by Philip S Powers, with contributions and assistance from the staff of the Central Region Geohazards Team and the Geomagnetism Program.