Solar Activity Variation and Its Effect On Ionospheric Electron Density

Abstract

As the Sun progresses through its solar cycle and its activity increases, more number of sunspots occur and solar fluxes become more intense. The change in solar activity is related to the change in electron density of the ionosphere. Studying this relation is very important in terms of space plasma studies and space weather predictions, which play a significant role in radio and satellite communication as well as GPS navigation. In this poster we are presenting the sunspot and solar flux data for solar cycle 24 (year 2008-2018). During solar minima, sunspot number varies from 0 to 20 and solar flux varies from 60 SFU (Solar Flux Unit) to 68 SFU. During solar maxima, sunspot number varies from 60 to 140 and solar flux varies from 90 SFU to 150 SFU. We are using CHAMP satellite data to understand the variation of electron densities of the upper atmosphere with solar cycle 24. We will be comparing this results with IRI (International Reference Ionosphere) model. This data set can be used as a framework for future advancement in empirical modelling of regional and global electron density of the ionosphere.