Spectral character of VLF sferics propagating inside the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide during two recent solar eclipses

Abstract

Effects of solar eclipses on the propagation characteristics of worldwide VLF sferics from lightning activity require more investigation. An attempt was made on the occasion of two solar eclipses during 22nd July, 2009 and 15th January, 2010 to study the effects of the two eclipses on the propagation characteristics of VLF sferics in the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide. Identical experimental setups were used to study the VLF sferics during the two eclipse events. The spectral character of VLF sferics propagating inside the waveguide is studied at a fixed receiver location (23.75°N, 91.25°E) at six discrete frequencies in between 3 and 20 kHz. During both the eclipse events, it is observed that VLF sferics at all the six discrete frequencies is increased from the mean normal average ambient level. The increment peaks around 10–12 kHz with an overall increment of 6.4 dB with respect to its ambient level. The VLF spectral character of enhancement of sferics show similar characters in two eclipses. The percentage decrease in electron density using standard modeling equations is found to be 90% at the height of 71 km for both the eclipses, supporting linear variation of electron density with solar radiation at the D‐region of the ionosphere. The results are explained qualitatively on the basis of a decrease in electron density at the lower ionosphere modifying the reflection coefficient which affected the propagation of VLF sferics in Earth‐ionosphere waveguide during eclipsed condition.