Maximilian Hell's geomagnetic observations in Norway 1769

Abstract

In the years 1768-1770 an expedition lead by the Austrian/Hungarian astronomer and Jesuit Father Maximilian Hell travelled to Vardø in the northernmost part of Norway. The main objective of the expedition was to observe the transit of Venus in June 1769. However, scientific investigations in several other fields were also performed, among them observations of the magnetic declination. From the original Latin manuscripts a two months series of declinations in Vardø as well as a number of observations carried out on the return voyage from Vardø, have been extracted. Methods of observations are described. The manuscripts on which the work is based are reproduced in the report.