Ionospheric irregularities and scintillations

Small- and large-scale plasma irregularities in the ionosphere cause so-called scintillations of transionospheric radio signals, which manifest as rapid fluctuations in amplitude and phase. These effects can significantly impair the accuracy and availability of satellite-based navigation and communication systems, thereby affecting numerous applications in the transportation sector, particularly in aviation and maritime navigation.

The institute investigates the origin, spatiotemporal evolution, and statistical properties of ionospheric irregularities. Based on high-resolution observations and innovative modeling approaches, methods are being developed to better detect and characterize scintillation effects and to integrate them into operational forecasting systems.

The Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics

• measures and analyzes small- and large-scale plasma irregularities using high-resolution GNSS and radio measurement techniques.
• records and describes amplitude and phase scintillations at mid and high latitudes.
• investigates physical formation mechanisms and coupling processes under disturbed conditions.
• develops models and algorithms for predicting and quantifying scintillations.
• assesses the impacts on satellite-based navigation and communication systems.
• develops and identifies ionospheric indices to characterize the degree of ionospheric disturbance and to estimate the impact of these disturbances on ground- and space-based radio systems.
• provides recommendations on the use of selected ionospheric indices and on the regulation of data standardization, storage, and access.