The Magnetic Network of Ireland (MagIE; previously Magnetometer Network of Ireland) is a network of Irish geomagnetic observatories run by Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Geological Survey Ireland and Met Éireann.
The network was founded in 2012 by DIAS and TCD School of Physics, to complement Met Eireann’s existing Valentia Observatory. The goal of the network is to improve our understanding of geomagnetic storms and subsurface current systems in Ireland and it consists of magnetometer observatories in Armagh, Dunsink and Valentia. The magnetometers at each site measure the magnetic field strength of the Earth. Rapid variations in geomagnetic field strength can be used to identify the presence of geomagnetic storms.
Using the readings from the magnetometers across the network, K-indices can be calculated to measure local disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field strength. Large K-values indicate that the northern lights (aurora borealis) have a high probability of being visible from Ireland.
K-indices are a measure of the disturbance of geomagnetic field strength. A k-value of greater than 5 indicates that a geomagnetic storm is in progress. The K-indices are calculated using the FMI method. Please visit the data section for more on k-indices and aurora forecasts.
These plots are updated once every 5 minutes. For more information, feel free to contact us.
Our colleagues in DIAS are analysing photos from members of the public of the Northern Lights observed across Ireland during the May and October geomagnetic storms of 2024. Submissions are now closed but check back soon for results at dias.ie/aurora-eire!
