Marobhe I. M. & Uiso C.B.University of Dar Es Salaam

The University of Dar Es Salaam is one of the Universities in Africa hosting the MAGDAS that are managed by SERC of Kyushu University. The MAGDAS was installed in Tanzania as part of the IHY 2007.

The operations of the magnetometer is being jointly managed by the departments of Physics and Geology.

Personnel Involved include: Dr. C. B. Uiso ( Physics Department) Dr. I. M. Marobhe ( Geology Department) Mr. Khalfan Mtelela ( Physics Department)

Historical: From the mid 1960’s the Physics department had a magnetometer house which existed till early 1980’s. The department was also earmarked to teach geophysics aspects such as seismology, and atmospheric physics.

In 1970’s the Department of Geology was established to teach earth sciences. Hence the geophysical sciences for solid earth were transferred from the Physics department to Geology Department.

Geology department is now responsible for teaching of geophysics at the University of Dar Es Salaam.

The department in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Tanzania is currently managing 8 earthquake stations in the country.

Other geophysical equipment available include 2 Proton Precision Magnetometers, 1 gravity meter, 2 electrical resistivity meters, 1 Gamma ray spectrometer and 12 channel refraction seismograph.

In the near future the department is planning to start B.Sc (geophysics) and M.Sc (Geophysics) degree programs. The physics department is also developing courses in atmospheric physics.

The MAGDAS was first installed at the University of Dar Es Salaam on 10 September 2008. It is located at 3907’ 12”E and 624’00”S.

The magnetometer is installed in a small vault about 30 m from the building and the signal cable connects the detector to the acquisition system installed in the first floor of the Geology Building.

The acquisition system is then connected to the internet.

Noise problems has been solved after installing a new equipment in September 2010.

Internet interruptions are mainly due to power failure/ the department has no standby generator.

The speed of the internet has increased 15X faster after UDSM was connected to the SEACOM cable.

Data processing and analysis is not done at UDSM due to lack of trained personnel in the field of space science. ( Training is required to enable local personnel to process the raw data, analyze and interpret the data).

Sustainability of MAGDAS project: how long will SERC support the observation?

Use the data to characterize the diurnal variations and the recurrence of magnetic storms in the region.

Presence of such research facilities in the University may cultivate interests among the young scientists in studying in Space science if accompanied with training schools to young scientists.