Addis Ababa, October 15, 2024 (FBC) – The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA-Space Science), has successfully installed a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a Magnetometer – Earth Magnetic Field Measurement Equipment – at the Entoto Observatory and Research Center, as announced by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology today.
The positioning data receiving station implemented is capable of receiving information from satellite positioning systems commonly known as GPS and other similar services that have global coverage (Global Navigation Satellite Systems).
The magnetic field measuring device, the Magnetometer, is designed to continuously measure the changes in the Earth’s magnetic field over time. Given that Addis Ababa is one of the locations in the world where the line known as the Magnetic Equator passes close by, the installation of the device on Mount Entoto will enhance the possibility of the country becoming a part of the global magnetometer network.
The data obtained from and GNSS will serve as an important input for the Space Weather Monitoring Center being organized by the institute, in addition to other services.
This center will provide valuable information on space weather events and their potential impact on Earth, contributing to the understanding and mitigation of related risks.