International Institute for Magical Background Monitoring Headquarters: Bern, Swiss Confederation

The global magical background continues to decline. We keep the record.

The IIMBM conducts continuous instrumental observations of the planet's residual magical background, drawing on a network of 214 ground-based thaumometric stations, 12 permanently deployed high-altitude probes and the orbital instrument TALOS-2.

Monitoring. Forecasting. Preservation of the residual background.

Global Magical Background Index (GMBI), operational estimate
2.71340 points
▼ −0.052 points per year (10-year moving average)
Scale: the 1854 peak value is set at 100 points. The estimate is shown without seasonal adjustment; uncertainty ±0.004 points at the 95 % confidence level.

Data & Monitoring

GMBI dynamics since 1854, regional background levels in microthaums, operational bulletins from the observing network and a description of the thaumometer calibration methodology.

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Scientific Publications

Peer-reviewed papers by Institute staff and affiliated research groups on thaumometry, dethaumization processes and residual charm activity.

Publication catalogue →

Press Centre

Official statements, press releases, annual report materials and announcements of international events held under the auspices of the Institute.

Latest releases →

Current situation

According to data from the station monitoring network, the annual mean GMBI for the 2025 observation year stood at 2.74 points, 0.054 points below the previous year's figure. The rate of decline remains within the forecast corridor approved by the inter-agency working group on medium-term modelling; however, the persistent exceedance of the median trajectory in the Northern Hemisphere requires, in the assessment of the Department of Forecasting, an additional observation cycle.

The Institute reminds the public that at the current background level — approximately 27 µTh in the global mean — spontaneous manifestations of household-scale charm activity are statistically excluded. Reports of suspected anomalous background surges are accepted around the clock via the hotline channels and are subject to mandatory instrumental verification.

The Institute in figures

214
ground-based thaumometric stations
12
permanently deployed high-altitude probes
1
orbital instrument TALOS-2
1,487
staff members and observers
63
States Parties to the Bern Protocol
105
years of continuous observations