93 years of geomagnetic data acquisition at the Huancayo Observatory

Abstract

The Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (DTM) of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW) decided to establish a magnetic observatory in Peru in 1917. John A. Fleming, who belonged to the DTM, led the search for an adequate place for magnetic field observation. The Huancayo Magnetic Observatory was constructed from 1919 to 1921 and began its operation on 3 March 1922. The observatory has made important contributions to human knowledge such as the Forbush Decrease Effect and the Equatorial Electrojet. Thousands of scientists have used Huancayo's 93 years of geomagnetic data. In 1947, the DTM left the observatory to the Peruvian Government. A few years later, the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) was established and becomes one of the most important scientific institutions in Peru. Details of past and present achievements of the IGP are presented.