The Ebro Observatory is a research Institute founded by the Society of Jesus in 1904 to study the Sun-Earth relationships. It is a nonprofit Foundation associated with the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) since its inception. It has continuously maintained collaboration with the National Meteorological Institute (INM) since 1920. Recently, it has started collaboration with other institutions, like the National Technical Aerospace Institute and the Cartographic Institute of Catalonia. It is also affiliated to the Ramon Llull University (URL).

The Foundation is governed by the above mentioned CSIC, INM, URL and the Society of Jesus along with the following organizations: National Geographic Institute; Dept. of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise and Dept. of Territorial Policy and Public Works of the Government of Catalonia; Meteorological Service of Catalonia; Provincial Council of Tarragona; City Councils of Roquetes and Tortosa.

At present, the Observatory is structured in four sections: Geomagnetic, Ionospheric, Seismic, and Meteorology, Climate and Solar Activity. The continuity and fidelity of the observations for more than one hundred years make their recordings to have an incalculable value today. As an example, we can mention that the seismic and the ionospheric archives are the longest of Spain, and that the meteorological ones extend back until 1880. In parallel to the data acquisition, a group of scientists helps to preserve the quality of this information, and checks that the observed phenomena are adapted to the actual scientific and social requirements.

Observation

Measurement of different geophysical variables with the most advanced techniques and instruments is continuously done. Thus, the Observatory has long series of data, which are essential for the study of long time scale phenomena.

The research

The main research activities are related to the regional modeling of the Earth's magnetic field, the study of the ionospheric variability and seismic attenuation studies.

Data archiving and dissemination

A great concern of the Observatory, as well as the observation and the scientific production, is the dissemination of the generated information. A great effort is made to make the data available in real or near-real time and in maintaining the historical data archives and the library of the Observatory.

Teaching and other activities

The Observatory provides formations at several levels. It offers a Doctoral program in Geophysics by the Ramon Llull University. It also extends its services of guided visits. Specialized and divulging courses, conferences, exhibitions and open days are also organized frequently.