Photo: Helge T. Markussen (NPI)
Zeppelin Observatory
The Zeppelin Observatory is located on the Zeppelin Mountain, 472 m asl, above the local inversion layer, so that interference from local pollution is minimal.
The Zeppelin Observatory is part of a global network of observatories for atmospheric measurements, and is part of several regional and global monitoring networks.
Owned by the Norwegian Polar Institute, which is responsible for development, maintenance, daily management and safety. The Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) is responsible for scientific coordination.
The primary users of the Zeppelin Observatory are NILU, Stockholm University (SU) and the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). The Observatory is also available for other users to set up instruments for long-term monitoring or short term campaigns.
Owner: The Norwegian Polar Institute
Contact: headnpi.nya@npolar.no
Procedures for use
The Observatory is owned by NPI, while NILU has the scientific responsibility for the Observatory. All new activities in the observatory must be approved by the Zeppelin Observatory House meeting (which has representatives from NILU, NPI, and Stockholm University). If you have a request for use of the observatory, please complete the registration form below and submit your request to the Head of NPI in Ny-Ålesund at headnpi.nya@npolar.no
Procedure for hot work at Zeppelin →
Main focus areas
- Research on long-transported atmospheric contaminants (greenhouse gases, ozone, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aerosols, environmental toxins)
- Characteristics of the Arctic atmosphere and studies of atmospheric processes and changes
- Measurements aimed at increasing the understanding of feedback mechanisms between aerosols, clouds and radiation, and how these affect the Arctic climate.
Read more in the strategy plan for the Zeppelin Observatory 2020-2025 (pdf)
Atmospheric research in Ny-Ålesund
The Zeppelin Observatory belongs to a group of very important global observatories for atmospheric measurements, and is part of several regional and global monitoring networks, such as:
- Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO/GAW)
- The European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP)
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP)
- Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE)
For more information on atmospheric research in Ny-Ålesund (besides Zeppelin), see the atmosphere research flagship programme.
Facilities
The observatory consists of six different rooms for instruments, three outdoor platforms for instruments and inlets, and a 14-meter tall mast for inlets. Two of the instrument rooms are earmarked for “campaign” instruments and reserved for project-based measurement campaigns. The rooms are furnished with desks and racks for instruments.
Zeppelin observatory got a significant upgrade in 2024 and 2025. After having been closed for science for about three months in the end of 2024, major improvements in the electricity, ventilation and fire safety systems have been achieved. The final touch will most likely be done in autumn 2025.
Due to the renovation, the drawing below is not updated, yet it still gives a good impression of the observatory’s set-up.
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Web camera (updated every 10 minutes)
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