Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new generation of quantum sensors that can provide vital insights into the risks posed by space weather to national infrastructure.

As part of the project, five highly sensitive quantum magnetometers – instruments that can detect tiny changes in the Earth’s magnetic field – have been installed across the UK, giving complete national coverage to support the British Geological Survey (BGS) in monitoring the impact of extreme magnetic storms.

During such storms, the planet’s geomagnetic field can fluctuate enough to disrupt power grids, satellite navigation and railway signalling on the ground; however, the impact varies across different parts of the country.

While the UK’s three established geomagnetic observatories provide valuable national-scale monitoring, they cannot capture these local variations.

The newly deployed Strathclyde-built magnetometers, sited at Aberystwyth in Wales, Boulby in North Yorkshire, Blickling in Norfolk, the Chilbolton Observatory in Hampshire, and Thurso in Caithness, are designed to address this gap.

“By enabling more detailed observation of geomagnetic storms, we are improving the evidence base that informs how government, industry and society can prepare for and respond to space weather events,” said Dr Stuart Ingleby from Strathclyde University’s Department of Physics.

The BGS said that understanding the nature of magnetic storms, how frequently they occur, how intense they can be, and how they interact with our environment, is key to helping scientists advise government, industry, and the public on the risks to critical technologies.

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The aim is to enable organisations like the UK’s power distribution companies to take proactive steps in safeguarding supplies and services from the impacts of space weather.

“These new measurements will greatly enhance our understanding of how extreme magnetic storms impact different parts of the country,” said Dr Ciarán Beggan, geophysicist at BGS.

“This means that society in general will have access to the advice and information needed to understand where we are vulnerable to magnetic storms and to make informed decisions on how to mitigate against them.”

The quantum magnetometers were developed by the University of Strathclyde and the Science and Technology Facilities Council through the UK National Quantum Technology Programme, specifically the Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing, using funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).