The Athabasca University Geophysical Observatory (AUGO) is dedicated to the study of the near Earth environment. In particular, the study of the aurora, or "northern lights," and the study of magnetic fields associated with the aurora are principal activities of scientists using the facility. The location at Athabasca, Alberta has the benefits of a northerly latitude and dark skies while still providing easy data access through broadband internet and also easy physical access for scientific staff to visit the site.