Researchers at the Indian research station Bharati in Antarctica have discovered a noteworthy seasonal variation in the ionosphere that could greatly aid satellite-based navigation and communication systems.
Their discovery comes after ten years of investigation.
The researchers from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) discovered that the density of the ionospheric layer of Earth's upper atmosphere changes throughout day and night, even in regions where sunlight persists for 24 hours during summer or darkness engulfs the winter months.
They observed that the highest total electron count (TEC) occurs during the equinox months, which happen twice a year when the sun is directly above the equator.
A recently published study in the Journal of Polar Science revealed that scientists observed a daily pattern with peak ionospheric density occurring around local noon, which they attributed to particle precipitation and the transport of convectional plasma from high latitudes.
In addition, during the summer months with 24 hours of sunlight (polar days), the maximum ionospheric density at the Bharati region was approximately twice as high as during the polar nights.
Scientists at Antarctica Uncover Ionospheric Secrets That Can Aid Navigation
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According to the experts, these findings are crucial to comprehend the impact of the ionosphere on satellite-based navigation and communication systems, as well as finding effective ways to mitigate it.
The scientists revealed these findings after examining the long-term seasonal ionospheric observations at Indian Antarctica station Bharati between 2010 and 2022 and also solar activity following the Sun’s 11-year cycle.