GNSS High-Rate Data and the Efficiency of Ionospheric Scintillation Indices

The work discusses the efficiency of different ionospheric scintillation indices. The new index D2fi based on the GNSS carrier phase observable was introduced. We analyze the accuracy of the phase measurements, in particular its dependence on the GNSS equipment thermal noises, multipath and external noises, and presettings of Phase Lock Loop and Code Delay Discriminator. The performance of DROTI, S4, σφ, and D2fi was considered for the case of high-rate data. The “sensitivity” and reliability of each index differs significantly and depends on the time resolution of the carrier phase data. The new index D2fi advantages are that it is easily derived and has a clear dependence on GNSS hardware and software features. D2fi was proven to be a useful tool to detect the small-scale ionospheric disturbances based on high-rate GPS carrier phase measurements

An evaluation of potential solar radio emission power threat on GPS and GLONASS performance

The L-band solar radio emission has recently been regarded as a potential threat to stable GPS and GLONASS performance. However, the threat has not been completely investigated or assessed so far. We evaluate in detail the occurrence of GPS/GLONASS signal tracking failures under the direct exposure of wideband solar radio emission. By means of theoretical analysis, we found that the solar radio emission power level of 1,000 sfu (solar flux units) or higher can cause GPS/GLONASS signal tracking failures especially at L2 frequency. In order to prove this evaluation, we investigated GPS/GLONASS signal tracking failures at L1 and L2 frequencies during power solar flares X6.5 (December 6, 2006) and X3.4 (December 13, 2006). Comparing these events with weaker solar flare X17.2 on October 28, 2003, we found that L2 signal tracking failures appeared when the solar radio emission power exceeds 1,000 sfu. Therefore, our theoretical and experimental results confirm the earlier results by other authors

A review of GPS/GLONASS studies of the ionospheric response to natural and anthropogenic processes and phenomena

The article is a review of studies of ionospheric effects carried out in ISTP SB RAS. The main results of GPS/GLONASS radio sounding of ionospheric disturbances of natural and anthropogenic origin are presented. The article is devoted to ionospheric effects of solar eclipses, solar flares, solar terminator, earthquakes, tropical cyclones, large-scale ionospheric disturbances of auroral origin, rocket launches. Dynamics of global electron content analysis is also presented. The special attention is paid on the influence of solar flares and ionospheric irregularities on GPS and GLONASS performance. The work is a tribute to the leader of GNSS-monitoring workgroup Prof. E.L. Afraimovich (12 March 1940–8 November 2009)

A review of GPS/GLONASS studies of the ionospheric response to natural and anthropogenic processes and phenomena

The article is a review of studies of ionospheric effects carried out in ISTP SB RAS. The main results of GPS/GLONASS radio sounding of ionospheric disturbances of natural and anthropogenic origin are presented. The article is devoted to ionospheric effects of solar eclipses, solar flares, solar terminator, earthquakes, tropical cyclones, large-scale ionospheric disturbances of auroral origin, rocket launches. Dynamics of global electron content analysis is also presented. The special attention is paid on the influence of solar flares and ionospheric irregularities on GPS and GLONASS performance. The work is a tribute to the leader of GNSS-monitoring workgroup Prof. E.L. Afraimovich (12 March 1940–8 November 2009)

Assessment of Morelian Meteoroid Impact on Mexican Environment

Possible ionospheric effects of the Morelian meteoroid that passed and exploded over Mexico on 19 February 2020 (18 February 2020 local time) were estimated. The meteoroid trajectory, velocity and time of occurrence were calculated based on outdoor camera records. Modeling was used to estimate the meteoroid initial diameter, density, mass, velocity, energy and their change during its flight in the atmosphere. The ensemble of ionospheric scintillation indices calculated from the high-rate GNSS data and the filtered slant Total Electron Content data were used to reveal the presence of ionospheric disturbances generated by shock waves excited by the meteoroid flight and explosion. The first ionospheric responses to phenomena accompanying the meteoroid were detected (2.5–3.5) min after the explosion. The disturbances were attenuated quickly with distance from their source and were rarely recorded by GNSS receivers located more than 600 km from the meteoroid explosion site. The ionospheric disturbances of intermediate-scale, small-scale, shock-acoustic-wave-scale and sometimes medium-scale were revealed. The detected disturbances corresponded to the range of acoustic-gravity waves. An asymmetry of the disturbance manifestation in different directions was observed. The obtained results are in accordance with results of the observation of other meteoroids. Although the object was smaller and of less energy than other known meteoroids, it is an interesting case because, to the best of our knowledge, it isthe first known to us low-latitude meteoroid with the detected ionospheric effects