The Beginnings of Atmospheric Electricity Measurements at the Geophysical Observatory in Świder
The Team Behind the Measurements
Atmospheric electricity research in Świder was a collaborative effort, powered by a small but dedicated team:
Benedykt Stanisław Kalinowski
Founder, director, visionary. He designed the Observatory, secured funding, and pushed to expand its scientific scope from magnetism to atmospheric electricity. His energy and persistence kept the project alive during difficult years.
Wanda Drège
A long‑serving assistant who had worked with Kalinowski since the early 1910s. She helped operate instruments, make observations, and maintain the station’s scientific continuity.
Zofia Kalinowska
Kalinowski’s daughter and a crucial member of the team, responsible for supporting both magnetic and atmospheric measurements. Her careful daily work ensured the continuity and reliability of the recordings.
Henryk Jędrzejowski
Joined in 1928 and installed the first atmospheric potential gradient measurement system with one Benndorf electrometer.
Antoni Liliental
Initially a student intern in 1929, later an important early operator of the atmospheric electricity instruments until his departure in the early 1930s.
Ewa Kalinowska‑Widomska
The younger daughter of the founder, who contributed voluntarily before the war and later became an essential figure in post‑war atmospheric electricity research.
Together, these individuals ensured that Świder would remain a reference point for geophysical research throughout the 20th century.
Stanisław Kalinowski (1873-1946)
Founder of Świder observatory, scientist, director, visionary organizer
Wanda Drège (1887-1965)
Long‑serving assistant, observer and researcher, ensuring daily continuity of magnetic and atmospheric electricity records, continuing the work through the 1930s
Zofia Kalinowska (1904-1983)
Long-serving assistant, observer and scientist, continuing the work through the 1930s. After the Second World War director of Świder observatory in the transition phase from a magnetic to atmospheric electricity research station
Henryk Jędrzejowski (1897-1937)
Physicist. Installed the first Benndorf electrometer in 1928 for electric potential gradient (PG) measurements
Antoni Liliental (1908-1940)
Student of Warsaw University of Technology. Early operator of instruments, installed a pair of Benndorf electrometers; contributed during 1929-1931.
Ewa Kalinowska-Widomska (1906-1976)
Voluntary assistant before the war, observer and scientist, major contributor in the post‑1948 revival. Specialised in PG reduction measurements
Last updated 20 March 2026