Dipole model of the Earth's magnetic field (MLAT), or geomagnetic latitude, formula_10 is measured northwards from the equator (analogous to geographic latitude) and is related to formula_9 by formula_12. In this case, the radial and azimuthal components of the magnetic field (the latter still in the formula_9 direction, measured from the axis of the north pole) are given by formula_14 formula_15 formula_16 where formula_17 in this case has units of Earth radii (formula_18). Invariant latitude is a parameter that describes where a particular magnetic field line touches the surface of the Earth. It is given by formula_19 or formula_20 where formula_21 is the invariant latitude and formula_22
International Latitude Observatory The data collected by the observatories over the years still has use to scientists, and has been applied to studies of polar motion, the physical properties of the Earth, climatology and satellite tracking and navigation. The final six observatories were located, in order of Longitude (E to W), in: International Latitude Observatory The International Latitude Observatories were a system of (originally) six observatories located near the parallel of 39° 08' north latitude. They were used to measure the variation in latitude that occurs as a result of the "wobble" of the Earth on its polar axis. The original six observatories