Ionospheric Research
Ionospheric research focuses on studying the ionosphere, a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation. This region, located about 30 to 1,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, plays a crucial role in radio communication and navigation systems. Scientists analyze how changes in solar activity affect the ionosphere's density and composition.
Researchers use various tools, such as radar, satellites, and ground-based stations, to gather data on the ionosphere's behavior. Understanding this layer helps improve technologies like GPS and enhances our knowledge of space weather, which can impact both satellites and power grids on Earth.