Work

The first decade (1929–1939) of atmospheric electricity observations at Świder Geophysical Observatory

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: . Since October 1929 measurements of the atmospheric potential gradient (PG) have entered routine operation at the Magnetic Observatory in Świder, Poland. This started a new chapter in the history of the Observatory. Two Benndorf electrometers recorded continuously until September 1939. The war disrupted these observations as well as shattered efforts to publish the results of nearly a decade. Nevertheless, these early actions initiated by the Observatory management shaped its future as it became a contemporary atmospheric electricity station in the second half of the 20th century.

Source: History of geo- and space sciences

DOI: 10.5194/hgss-17-13-2026

Author: Anna Odzimek

Institutions: Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki

Award: G8403581629