The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO) is a research facility of the National Research Foundation (http://www.nrf.ac.za), which is an autonomous science council responsible for research and human resources development in South Africa.

It functions as an active participant in the worldwide network of magnetic observatories (INTERMAGNET), which monitor and model variations of the Earth’s magnetic field. The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory is also one of twelve Regional Warning Centres globally that forms part of the ISES (International Space Environment Service) Regional Warning Centre network. Specifically, the HMO is appointed as the Regional Warning Centre for Africa.

The HMO is divided into four operational groups, they are:

• Geomagnetism
• Science Outreach
• Space Physics
• Technology 

The HMO is situated in the picturesque village of Hermanus in the Western Cape (http://www.hermanus.co.za).