Low Frequency Observatory in Martova

(49' 56' 0.5" N, 36' 57' 10" E)

Experimental researches in propagation of ELF and VLF radio waves have been started in 1976 by the staff of the 33th department of the Institute of Radiophysics and Electronics AS USSR. The place near Pechenezhskoe Lake had been chosen due to low level of anthropogenic noise and large water surface. After carrying out several measuring campaigns it was decided to construct a permanent site to perform studies in radiophysics and a piece of land uptown Martova village admeasuring 0.57 hectares was reserved. In 1980-ies the main area of the research of the lab was propagation of VLF radio waves. Representatives of the

• ELF receiver
• Meteomagnetic station
• HF doppler receiver

• GPS/TEC receiver
• Muon monitor

major scientific organizations from Moscow, Leningrad, Omsk, Irkutsk and other cities collaborated in conducted studies.

In 1986 the laboratory was passed to the Institute of Radio Astronomy AS USSR. By the same time two laboratory buildings had been erected (70 and 140 sq. meters accordingly). After the collapse of the USSR and discontinuation of all the military-driven activities experimental researches were concentrated on environmental remote sensing. In collaboration with the Institute of Neurology, Psychiatry and Addictology NASU the study of the effect of the extra low frequency electromagnetic fields on the bioelectric activity of the human brain were carried out.

Nowadays a low frequencies observatory of the IRA NASU has been established. A set of various acquisition systems have been monitoring different geophysical processes on a regular basis.