Hermanus Magnetic Observatory

Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO) is one of approximately 120 accredited magnetic observatories in the world responsible for monitoring the Earth's magnetic field. Serving the Southern African Region, HMO has expanded its operations way beyond its original purpose. It has a very academic ethos, supporting MSc and PhD student research into Space Physics, Geomagnetism and other Physics research projects. Almost all the technical staff are either MSc's or PhD's, mainly in Physics. As such, it has strong academic ties with several major South African and International Univertisites. HMO also has an Outreach Programme which promotes the exposure of school children from previously disadvaged areas to Mathematics and Physics concepts through its Outreach Centre in Hermanus. The objective is to stimulate an interest in Mathematics and Science with a view to pursuing careers in these areas. HMO's Technology Division which provides scientific services on a commercial basis for outside organisations. The Simonstown Office services military contracts with the South African Navy, to supply magnetic services required to maintain the Fleet. This includes Compass Calibrations, Ship Magnetic Signature Management, Magnetic Treatment, Ship Degaussing, and Corrosion Management by means of Cathodic Protection. HMO also supplies scientific services to the South African Air Force. HMO falls under the National Research Foundation (NRF), a Government funded scientific entity deriving partial funding from the Department of Science and Technolgy (DST). HMO is partially funded from Central Government via DST, with the balance obtained through its commercial contracts.