Published 7:44 am Friday, October 23, 2026

BAKER CITY — Helicopters equipped with an unusual accessory will be flying at low altitudes over parts of Baker County and other sections of Eastern Oregon helicopter this fall to measure tiny changes in the Earth’s magnetic field that can help geologists find underground deposits of valuable and rare elements and minerals.

The flights, which are scheduled to start Oct. 26, weather permitting, also can pinpoint groundwater sources, geothermal potential, and faults that can generate earthquakes, according to geologists.

The sensors attached to a proboscis-like probe that extends in front of the helicopters allow geologists to create maps of underground features that can’t be mapped accurately based on traditional ground surveys.…