Calculating the peak effect of 25th solar cycle on ionospheric plasma over Iraq

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of peak activity in the 25th solar cycle on plasma properties in the F ionosphere above Baghdad, Iraq. Electron temperature (T_e), electron density (n_e), and plasma parameters in the F layer of the ionosphere in the city of Baghdad (44.30°E, 33.30°N) are analyzed during the four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) of 2024. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2020); temperature and density profile are acquired at 150-500km altitudes in 50km steps. Findings have shown that the electron density and electron plasma frequency are lower in the summer and winter seasons, compared to the equinoxes. One of the most interesting observations is that in the lower altitudes the temperatures are similar across seasons with maximum temperatures recorded at 500km. As a result, the thermal velocity of the electrons and Debye length is greater and the plasma coupling coefficient is smaller during the study period. In addition, a definite correlation between electron temperature and altitude is discovered, where it is greatest at 500km in the F 2 ionosphere. The study highlights the need to track these changes to improve space-weather predictions and its consequences to communication and navigation systems, especially when the solar activity is more intense. Also, the paper suggests potential advantages of nano- based sensing and modeling instruments in enhancing accuracy of future ionospheric electron density and temperature measurements.