Welcome | Geomag

Click the image to learn more about the Earth's magnetic field!

The latest World Magnetic Model (WMM2020) was released December 10, 2019. The World Magnetic Model is the standard model for navigation, attitude and heading referencing systems using the geomagnetic field. The model, associated software, and documentation are distributed by NCEI on behalf of NGA. The model is produced at 5-year intervals, with the current model expiring on December 31, 2024.

The CIRES geomagnetism team worked with the NCEI story map team to create an ArcGIS story map that takes users through all of the components of the Earth's magnetic field. Learn more about the magnetic field HERE

The Earth's magnetic field changes over time, sometimes in ways we do not expect when we compile and release the model. That is why the geomagnetism team is updating the World Magnetic Model, so users can continue to navigate safely without noticing any performance issues. Credit XKCD

Use your phone as a magnetic sensor! Here is an opportunity for you to be a part of our research on the geomagnetic field. Install CrowdMag app and share your magnetic data. You can also view maps and graphs shared by other citizen scientists.

The Real-Time add-on to the High Definition Geomagnetic Model (HDGM-RT) includes a model of Earth's magnetosphere which provides near real-time estimates of the external disturbance field due to the solar wind. More Information

The CIRES/NCEI geomagnetism team conducts both basic and applied research in the field of Earth magnetism. We develop data-based models and calculators for various magnetic fields originating within the Earth (in the core, mantle, lithosphere, and oceans) and in the near-Earth space environment (in the ionized layers of the atmosphere and the magnetosphere). These models have a wide range of scientific and technical applications, from investigating physical processes associated with specific sources, such as core flows, to providing accurate headings for aircraft navigation and directional drilling. The group is based at NOAA's Boulder campus and is primarily funded by NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) through the Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science (CIESRDS) grant.

A companion website provides access to official NOAA data products, models and online calculators. This website focuses on the research activities of our group, including research models, publications, and cloud-based calculators. Both sites feature various outreach and educational resources in the field of geomagnetism. Feel free to explore and contact us if you have any questions!