The two main functions of the original Institute of Geophysics were making weather forecasts plus registering and measuring geomagnetism. In 1928 the institute was split in two and only the Weather Forecasting Division for Northern Norway stayed on at Geofysen. The geomagnetic measurements, the auroral and other geophysics research moved to Tromsø Geophysical Observatory at the northern end of the lake Prestvannet. In 1960 the meteorological activities also moved to new purpose built premises and Geofysen has since solely been used as accommodation comprising three flats.