Ionospheric Observations of May 2024 Geomagnetic Superstorm Using Space- and Ground-Based GNSS Receivers

Hyeyeon Chang, Yang Pan, and Y. T. Jade Morton

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	This paper presents observations of the ionospheric response to the May 2024 geomagnetic superstorm. Data from space- and ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers were used to retrieve ionospheric electron density and scintillation indices. Electron density profiles retrieved from GNSS Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) mission indicate that the peak density height shifted down to the E-region during the recovery phase of the storm, particularly in high-latitude regions. Scintillation observations from RO data revealed high levels of amplitude and phase scintillation during the initial and main phases of the storm. However, during the recovery phase, their magnitudes decreased, likely due to a reduction in background plasma density. Additionally, collocated ground and space-based scintillation measurements were compared to validate and analyze the observed ionospheric irregularities. This study enhances our understanding of the ionospheric response to the storm and provides insights into mitigation and forecasting methods to protect navigation and communication systems. Keywords—Geomagnetic storm, ionosphere, electron density, scintillation, radio occultation
Published in:	2025 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) April 28 - 1, 2025 Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	511 - 516
Cite this article:	Chang, Hyeyeon, Pan, Yang, Morton, Y. T. Jade, "Ionospheric Observations of May 2024 Geomagnetic Superstorm Using Space- and Ground-Based GNSS Receivers," 2025 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS), Salt Lake City, UT, April 2025, pp. 511-516.
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