Estimation of low-latitude irregularity drifts using closely spaced low-cost scintillation monitors (ScintPi) and multi-constellation GNSS signals

Previously, we presented results of low-latitude ionospheric irregularity zonal drift measurements using closely spaced low-cost scintillation monitors (ScintPi) and signals from a SBAS geostationary satellite. The use of signals from a geostationary satellite greatly simplifies the estimation of the drifts. Varying ionospheric piercing point (IPP) velocity and geomagnetic field configurations do not have to be considered. Additionally, the use of geostationary signals provide nearly continuous measurements of irregularity drifts at a specific location which is desirable for some studies.
ScintPi, however, can measure signals from multiple GNSS constellations. This allows much better coverage of the sky than GPS-only receivers, for instance. One can envision the coverage provided by the GNSS constellations to contain useful information about the spatio-temporal evolution of the irregularity drifts within the field of view of the scintillation monitor. Additionally, there might be locations when adequate geostationary signals are not available.

Therefore, we investigated the estimation of irregularity drifts using GNSS signals measured by closely spaced monitors located at low-latitude site (Campina Grande, Brazil, 7.213°S, 35.907°W, dip latitude ~14°S). The analyses required careful consideration of satellite orbits as determined by the International GNSS Service (IGS) analysis centers and provided by the Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS) through the Extended Standard Product -3 (SP3) files. It also careful consideration of the vector magnetic field at IPP locations as provided by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field version 13 (IGRF-13) model.

In this poster, we will present and discuss the results of zonal irregularity drifts associated with equatorial plasma bubbles and derived from multiple GNSS signals. We will also present and discuss a comparison of the drifts derived from signals transmitted by moving medium earth orbit (MEO) GNSS satellites and drifts derived from a geostationary satellite.