How to Build a Magnetometer
A magnetometer is a device for measuring magnetic fields. The earth generates a magnetic field that permeates the entire planet, but many other things can affect this field. Electronic appliances, solar storms, permanent magnets and many other things create their own magnetic fields. By measuring changes to the earth's magnetic field, a magnetometer can detect solar storms and local disturbances.
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Instructions
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1
Get a bar magnet such as the one linked to below. Neodymium magnets are extremely strong, which should make your magnet more responsive to changes. Any bar magnet should work, however.
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2
Attach a small laser pointer to the bar magnet. Tape it on so that the bar magnet is centered on the pointer. Use just enough tape to hold the two together.
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3
Tie a string around the bar magnet and the laser pointer so that they hang perpendicular to the string. If you can't get them quite perpendicular, add a few small pieces of tape to the higher side to balance it out.
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4
Poke a small hole with an awl in the top of a pickle jar or some other big, round jar. Remove the label and any glue from the jar by soaking it in water and peeling the label off.
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5
Turn on the pointer. Tie the string through the hole and screw the top on with the magnet hanging in through the hole with the laser pointer hanging inside.
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6
Place the jar on a sheet of rubber on top of a table so that it is facing a blank wall. The rubber is not necessary, but it will help insulate the magnetometer from vibrations in the ground, which can make it move without any magnetic changes.
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7
Watch the spot on the wall. When the magnetic field changes, the spot will move.
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Tips & Warnings
If the laser pointer has a key chain attached to it, remove it before you attach the pointer to the magnet.
