Kenley Hall
Pronouns: She / Her
Research Mentor(s): Mark Moldwin
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering / Engineering
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 5 (2:40pm – 3:30pm)
Authors: Susan A. Gelman, Ella Simmons, Zachary Hall
Abstract
For many years, magnetometers have been used by NASA and other researchers to measure magnetic fields. More importantly, magnetometers are sent as instruments on satellites to measure the magnetic field of the Earth to better understand the planet’s characteristics. However, magnetometers vary in their abilities as some can measure weak magnetic fields while others can measure over a larger dynamic range. Understanding the magnetic field of the Earth also improves knowledge on geomagnetic storms caused by storms from the Sun and how the magnetic field of Earth is affected by various other factors such as its liquid outer core. The magnetometer regularly sends back information to the researchers so that they can interpret it. The information learned from the magnetometer can also be used for future projects to further gain an understanding of Earth’s characteristics. For this project, various magnetometers are calibrated and data are collected from them in order to determine which one provides the most accurate and precise results. Numerous tests need to be done on each magnetometer in order to determine the best magnetometer. Several of the tests include a shield can test to eliminate background noise, a test to measure the range of the magnetometer, and a resolution test to understand how small of a field the magnetometer can measure.
