Swider

STANISŁAW KALINOWSKI GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY IN ŚWIDER

The Geophysical Observatory in Świder is the first magnetic observatory on Polish territory, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. It was established thanks to the efforts of the renowned physicist and patriot Stanisław Kalinowski, who in 1911 issued a public appeal for support in building a national observatory. Thanks to public donations, land and equipment were acquired, and construction began. The building was completed in 1915, modelled after the pavilions of the Potsdam Observatory. In 1920, continuous measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field began, and they have been ongoing ever since. Over time, the Observatory expanded its scope to include studies of the atmosphere, air pollution, and ionising radiation. The Świder Observatory has become an important scientific and educational centre, combining environmental research with teaching activities.

WHAT WE DO?

Today, the Observatory conducts a wide range of research in geophysics and environmental protection. A particularly important focus is on atmospheric electricity, studied continuously for decades, making Świder one of the most significant observation points of its kind in Europe. The Observatory monitors, among other things:

• atmospheric electricity
• air pollution
• meteorological parameters
• Earth’s magnetic field

POLAR RESEARCH

Since 1986, the Observatory has also carried out measurements at the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund, Spitsbergen, and since 2013 at the Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station. This enables the analysis of global electrical phenomena and their relationship with solar activity, the magnetosphere, and cosmic radiation.

FOR SCHOOLS AND THE CURIOUS

The Świder Observatory is a popular destination for students and teachers. Visitors can:

• learn about the history of Polish geophysical research

• explore both modern and historical measuring instruments

• understand phenomena related to atmospheric electricity, magnetism, and meteorology

• tour the magnetic pavilions and the so-called “Larch House,” which hosts a polar exhibition featuring instruments from the Arctic and equipment used by polar explorers