Multi-constellation GNSS Ionospheric Scintillation Monitoring through PolaRx5S Receiver at a low latitude station in India

Abstract

In this paper we present the initial results of the real time monitoring of the ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) and scintillation indices from the recently established multi-frequency, multi-constellation ionospheric monitoring GNSS reference station (Septentrio make PolaRx5S receiver with VeraChoke choke ring antenna) at a low latitude location KL University, Guntur, India (Latitude 16°26’ N, Longitude 80°37’ E). The TEC is the characteristic entity causing a delay in the traversing radio signal whereas scintillations occur due to rapid fluctuations in the plasma irregularities causing cycle slips or even loss of lock in the signal which may take considerable reacquisition time that causes a delay in the position record. Further, the scintillations are more common and pronounced in the low latitude ionosphere and alter with latitude, time, solar intensity. In general, the scintillations are common during the local post-sunset hours due to the equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) which is the major concern in the objectives of this study. In brief, scintillations can cause severe threats to the highly dynamic systems depending on GNSS signals like in aircraft landing and other precise measurements. Hence, it is essential to continuously monitor and understand the scintillation morphology over the low latitudes for better modeling of the effects. In this study, we analyze the observables recorded from the newly installed ionospheric monitoring unit to understand the variability of TEC and scintillations from multi-constellation observables. The results will help towards filling the gaps in understanding the scintillation morphology over the location.