Ionospheric Responses of Partial Solar Eclipses at Mid-Latitudes


Şahin Ö. İ., Aktaş E. N., Ökten M. B., Can Z.

Turkish Physical Society 39th International Physics Congress, Muğla, Turkey, 31 August - 04 September 2023, pp.240

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Muğla
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.240
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The ionosphere is a natural plasma layer consisting of ionized gases that freely move in the upper layers of the atmosphere due to solar radiation. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks solar radiation. The ionized molecules in the region under the shadow of the Moon combine with the free electrons in the environment. It causes short-term night conditions in the shaded area of the ionosphere. After the end of the eclipse, this region tries to return to its former ionospheric conditions before the eclipse. In this study, the dynamics of the ionospheric response to Partial Solar eclipses on January 4, 2011 and October 25, 2022, over Mid Latitude, are analyzed comparatively. The ionospheric response to two different partial solar eclipses occurring approximately one solar cycle later at the same latitude is interpreted. The total electron content (TEC), critical frequency of the F2 region (foF2), and maximum height of the F2 region (hmF2) values were compared with the averages of one month before and after the eclipse dates, as well as the values on the eclipse day. Ionosonde data was obtained by the Lowell GIRO (Global Ionospheric Radio Observatory) Data Center from stations coded AT138, DB049, EB040, FF051 and RL052 at mid-latitude. The data on the quiet day and on the day of the eclipse were compared. The relationship between the variation of the eclipse with time and the critical frequency of the F2 region (foF2) was examined for different stations and a correlation was found between the two dates. Keywords: Ionosphere, Solar Eclipse, Total Electron Content.