Maximum–Minimum Eigen Detector for Ionospheric Irregularities Over Low-Latitude Region

Abstract

Plasma irregularities are a predominant feature over the low-latitude ionosphere within 20° north and south of the geomagnetic equator. The range delay errors introduced in the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and in the space-based augmentation system by the plasma irregularities are difficult to measure due to the unpredictable nature of ionosphere. This letter presents a maximum–minimum eigen algorithm that has been developed for the efficient detection of ionospheric irregularities in the low latitudes. GNSS data were collected from five stations spread over the Indian terrain for the solar maximum year of 2013 and real-time detection of plasma irregularities was performed. The five GNSS stations, namely, Pbr2, Iisc, Guntur, Hyde, and Lck2 span over the geomagnetic latitudes ranging from 2.07° N to 17.92° N. The results show a very good correlation with the equatorial ionospheric disturbances. The occurrence of plasma irregularities was found to be a maximum at the ionospheric anomaly crest.