The geomagnetic field is our natural shield against solar wind particles and cosmic radiation. It is mainly generated by dynamo processes in the Earth's fluid outer core. Magnetized rocks in the Earth's crust, electrical currents in ionosphere and magnetosphere in the near-Earth space and even ocean currents add contributions to the Earth's magnetic field. We use geomagnetic field observations from ground and space (satellite missions) as well as paleomagnetic data obtained from geological archives to investigate the geomagnetic field on a broad range of time-scales. We make inferences about dynamic processes inside the Earth and in the near-Earth space environment. Our aims are to estimate the future evolution of the geomagnetic field and contribute to characterizing space weather conditions.

Geomagnetism research has long played an important role in Germany. More than 200 years ago, Alexander von Humboldt initiated worldwide observations of the Earth's magnetic field, and Carl Friedrich Gauss provided the mathematical foundations and developed precise measurement methods for magnetic field research. Humboldt also recognized the connection between magnetic storms and the northern lights. Today, geomagnetism research provides important scientific insights that enable practical applications and contribute to the security of critical infrastructure. Germany remains an international leader in this field of research. 

The Kp index we provide helps to understand space weather and helps to make predictions that can protect satellites, communication systems and high-voltage power grids, among other things. The German Federal Police also needs this data to operate its reconnaissance drones safely. The Earth's magnetic field is the basis for compasses and other magnetic navigation instruments. Modern GPS systems use magnetic models to improve their accuracy. The International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), to which we contribute, is also used for navigation purposes. We regularly provide the German Armed Forces with up-to-date magnetic declination data from this source.