Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory

Although KAIRA will be built at Kilpisjärvi, the project is administered by the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory (SGO). This world-class facility was established in 1913 by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters to perform geophysical measurements and research. Now an independent research department of the University of Oulu, SGO maintains its continuous measurements of the Earth's magnetic field, cosmic radio noise, seismic activities, and cosmic rays.

Since the first measurements began on 1st January 1914, SGO has spread its range and location of sensors over multiple sites stretching from the south of Finland to Svalbard. KAIRA will be the latest in this proud tradition. However, the institute remains based near Sodankylä itself on the banks of the river Kitinen and this is where most of the KAIRA team are based.

The photograph (taken a few weeks ago) shows the main institute building in the dead of the Arctic night. It is one of many buildings scattered around the site. In actual fact, this building is shared with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. More on that later!