The first decade (1929–1939) of atmospheric electricity observations at Świder Geophysical Observatory

Abstract. In October 1929, measurements of the atmospheric potential gradient (PG) began to be routinely recorded at the Magnetic Observatory in Świder, Poland. This started a new chapter in the history of the Observatory, in 1937 renamed the Geophysical Observatory in Świder. Two Benndorf electrometers recorded continuously until September 1939. War World II disrupted these observations as well as shattered efforts to publish the results of nearly a decade. Nevertheless, these early actions initiated by the Observatory management shaped its future as it became a contemporary atmospheric electricity station in the second half of the 20th century.