Abstract: A magnetic observatory was opened at the beginning of 2005 in the inland of Antarctica (lat. 75°06'S, long. 123°23'E). Since the opening, the field is recorded almost continuously at a one second and one minute rate. The base lines of the triaxial variometer are controlled by standard absolute measurements made at a regular rate all over the year. Absolute values of the field components are available at any rate lower than or equal to one second.
Recently, in January 2009, a new data acquisition system was installed. This new system (Magnetic Acquisition and Recording Cell 1.0 -- M.A.R.Cell 1.0, developed by EOST) enables to record data, vectorial and of intensity, resulting from the same logger but also a wide set of instrumental parameters such as temperatures, voltages, ... Several technical and scientific improvements are presented such as the quasi-real time repatriation in Europe of the data automated by email (every half-day, limited by the station network itself).
The new magnetic acquisition system allows : (i) to fulfil the 2003 Intermagnet requirements concerning the acquisition of 1Hz data, (ii) to cope with the difficulties arising in the operation of an observatory in such extreme conditions (as for instance an external temperature varying between minus 30°C and minus 70°C and a total darkness lasting two months), and (iii) to prepare the new requirements of synchronized one second ground data acquisition and dissemination in the context of the forth-coming Swarm satellite mission. .
The validity of the results is discussed in the light of the data provided by the nearest observatories (Dumont d'Urville, Scott Base, Mario Zuchelli base) and in comparison with various global or regional models.

Abstract: Recordings of the Earth’s magnetic field variations are continuously performed at the Concordia Geomagnetic Observatory, at Dome C, in the inland Antarctic continent since 2005. The observatory is jointly operated by INGV (Italy) and EOST (France).
The observatory, located above more than 3000 m of layered ice, is unaffected by crustal field contaminations and it lays inside the Southern polar cup, close to the South Geomagnetic pole. It provides an important contribution to the auroral and polar cup ionosphere studies, besides the valuable input to the global internal field models from an area of the planet scarcely covered by observation points.
According to the Intermagnet standard, a triaxial and a scalar magnetometer are in operation for continuous three-component and scalar field strength recordings at 1-second sampled rate. Absolute measurements are carried out regularly along the year even during the dark months and the very harsh ambient conditions. All the fulfilled requirements make Concordia dataset and important reference for the future Swarm satellite mission.
We report some results since the opening of the observatory and we discuss the validity and quality of the entire dataset in comparison of the nearest Antarctic observatories and preliminary results compared to global and regional models.

Abstract: Poster at XIV Assembly of IUUG, Pérouges, 2-13 July 2007

Abstract: Contributions to the knowledge of the Earth’s magnetism from polar regions is extremely important to understand the planetary phenomena which occur both below and above the Earth’s surface. At those areas the Earth’s magnetic field is stronger and the spatial and temporal changes are enhanced. At the same time polar regions are areas scarcely covered by observations for the adverse environmental conditions. We report the experience gained in years of management and maintenance of permanent stations (Mario Zucchelli, Dumont d’Urville (Victoria Land) and Concordia stations, Dome C) as well as temporary installations (Talos Dome) in Antarctica, showing how different acquisition systems, analysis and interpretation of data allow the scientific communities to contribute to originating important theories, models and results.

Abstract: In the frame of the international cooperation for Mars exploration, a set of 4 NetLanders developed by an European consortium is expected to land on the planet during the forthcoming years. Among other instruments, the geophysical package of each lander will include a magnetometer. The different possible contributions of magnetic measurements onboard the NetLander stations are presented. Intrinsic planetary field and remanent magnetisation investigations by means of magnetometers onboard a network of landers are first considered, and the information that can be thus derived on the Martian core dynamo and surface rocks, soil, and dust is discussed. The contribution of permanent recording of the magnetic transient variations at a network of surface stations is then discussed. The transient variations of the magnetic field at the surface of a planet has a primary external source, the interaction between the environment of the planet and solar radiation, and a secondary source, the electric currents induced in the conductive planet. The continuous recording of the time variations of the magnetic field at the surface of Mars by means of three component magnetometers installed onboard NetLander stations will therefore allow study of both the internal structure of Mars and dynamics of its ionised environment. The expected characteristics of transient magnetic variations, and their relation with plasma flow and current in the Mars ionised environment are discussed. The use of the network magnetic data to probe the internal structure of Mars is also considered. The used techniques are presented, and the information that can be thus obtained on the Mars permafrost, lithosphere and mantle structure illustrated by numerical simulations. Finally, the specifications of the instrument allowing to achieve these objectives are discussed, and the instrument described.