Peru-Magneto Project

Peru-Magneto project is a research project conducted in collaboration with QuakeFinder, a subdivision of the American company Stellar Solutions (California, U.S.A.), dedicated to the study of electromagnetic phenomena related to seismic events, in order to contribute to the cientific knowledge and to an eventual reliable method for the prediction of earthquakes.

Installation of magnetometers: Neils Vílchez and Jorge Heraud

The first steps of the project date back to 2007, when the construction of a satellite containing a magnetometer was considered, in order to study magnetic field variations in orbit. This initiative was abandoned because an American company that tried a similar experiment was not too successful. However, a similar project arose: to put magnetometers on earth to try to identify the local magnetic field variation associated with seismic events. Thus, through a partnership agreement with the QuakeFinder subdivision of Stellar Solutions (California, U.S.A.), a donation of nine magnetometers was received and installed at various strategic locations in Peru. In parallel, Telefonica donated a magnetometer and provides connectivity through 3G mobile Internet, which allows the equipment to send data to the institute.

The project involves the use of magnetometers, which measure activity in the local magnetic field through magnetic sensors (coils) buried in the ground. The data collected is sent to the Institute for Radio Astronomy for processing and study through an internet connection provided by Telefonica.

Additionally, studies that complement this research are being carried out. Among them is the continuous recording of sky in the search of pre-seismic luminescence (as observed 21 days before the great earthquake of Callao of October 28, 1746) and coseismic luminiscence (as observed during the earthquake of August 15, 2007); the recording of radio waves in UHF and its association with seismic activity, and the registration of micro-movements of the earth’s crust through a high precision GPS system.

This research has led to many discoveries and advances in the field of electromagnetic earthquake precursors. Among them, the project Peru-Magneto project is credited with the first early warning of earthquakes on the earthquake of October 22, 2010, notified 15 days in advance to the authorities of the university, and the first event of electromagnetic triangulation of earthquakes, an unprecedented scientific event performed using the processing method developed in the institute.

The project is progressing steadily towards a reliable method for the prediction of earthquakes that will prevent the loss of life and infrastructure , as well as situations of uncertainty and chaos in the country.