On closing geomagnetic observatories

Abstract

The contemplated closing by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) of the geomagnetic observatories at Barrow, Alaska, and Newport, Wash. (Eos, February 25, 1986, p. 95) is a situation that could have very serious implications for the solar‐terrestrial research community as well as for the geological community.This intent to close should be investigated expeditiously by the Committee on Solar‐Terrestrial Research and the Committee on Solar and Space Physics. An accurate determination should be made of the use and values of these stations for both retrospective and future studies and programs in space physics in the United States. At the same time, the appropriate officials at the USGS should be once again made aware of the possible implications of their immediate budget decisions on the broader geophysical and space physics research communities, both for the near term and the future.