Summer Visit to Eskdalemuir Observatory

A History Group / Met Observing Systems Group joint meeting.

A summer visit to Eskdalemuir Observatory will take place on Wednesday 24th July 2024 commencing at 11am. Following presentations about the history, meteorological and geological work carried out at Eskdalemuir Observatory there will be a site tour of the Meteorological and British Geological Survey facilities including the small museum which houses a collection of instruments, photographs, and historical documents. The tour will last approximately 2hrs.

Eskdalemuir Observatory is situated in the Southern Uplands of Scotland and is a synoptic meteorological station involved in measurement of solar radiation, levels of atmospheric pollution, and in chemical sampling. The observatory operates a US standard seismograph and an International Deployment Accelerometer Program long-period sensor. The British Geological Survey has a broadband three-component seismometer set installed at the observatory and records data from four remote sites transmitted to the observatory by radio link.

The observatory opened in 1908. It was built because of disruption to geomagnetic measurements at Kew Observatory following the advent of electric tramcars at the beginning of the 20th century. BGS took over responsibility for magnetic observations from the Meteorological Office in 1968.

Due to its remote location, members are advised to wear stout footwear and bring waterproof clothing, you will also need to bring your own food and drink if required. There is a Community Hub nearby which houses a café approximately 3 miles from the observatory.

Address:

Met Office, Eskdalemuir Geomagnetic Observatory, Langholm, Dumfriesshire, DG13 0QW

Eskdalemuir Community Hub - The School, Eskdalemuir, Langholm DG13 0QJ

The observatory is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive by car from Glasgow Airport and 2hrs by car from Edinburgh Airport.