4-1A
Magnetometer purpose
The magnetometer (pronounced magnetahmater) is designed to detect small changes in
the magnetic field surrounding it. Ideally, we will detect changes in the direction of the
magnetic field surrounding the earth and compare these measurements to measurements
of the activity of the sun.
Magnetometer design
The magnetometer is designed to detect small changes in the magnetic field around it. Its
basic design is similar to a compass. The magnet in the bottle aligns with the magnetic
field similar to the way a compass needle aligns with the earth’s magnetic field. When
the magnetic field changes, the magnet swings.
The detection device is suspended inside of a 2-liter bottle, as shown below. The
detection device includes a magnet and a mirror. The magnet-mirror setup is free to
swing and shift directions when the magnetic field changes.
A laser or similar light is reflected off the mirror. The laser then hits a screen and
measurements can be taken of how much the laser is deflected, as shown below.