A magnetometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and/or direction of a magnetic field. It can detect and quantify the intensity of magnetic fields in its vicinity. Magnetometers are employed in various applications, including geophysics, navigation, archaeology, and space exploration.
There are different types of magnetometers, each with its own operating principles. Common types include fluxgate magnetometers, proton precession magnetometers, and magneto-resistive magnetometers. These devices are utilized in diverse fields, such as geophysical surveys to study the Earth's magnetic field, navigation systems for orientation and heading determination, and archaeological surveys to locate buried metallic objects. In space exploration, magnetometers are often included in scientific instruments on spacecraft to study the magnetic fields of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.