Space weather refers to the changing environmental conditions in near-Earth space and the space between the sun and the Earth’s atmosphere. Space weather is influenced by occurrences such as solar flare activity, ionospheric variability, and energetic particle events.
The energy emitted from our sun fluctuates over time. Scientists studying the sun’s activities refer to it as the solar cycle. Currently we are approaching a period of greater solar activity in the solar cycle, called the Solar Max. During this time, heightened ionospheric activity is observed including periods of scintillation, which can cause GNSS signals to be distorted. This reduces the performance of GNSS receivers. Ionospheric scintillation is most pronounced near the Earth’s magnetic equator, most notably in Brazil.
Below are resources that can be used to track space weather conditions:
Current Scintillation Maps
Brazil Scintillation Site Charts for Sao Luis Stations
Brazil Scintillation Site Charts for Sao Jose dos Campos Stations
Space Weather Condition Maps
Geo-Magnetic Activity Plot
Space Weather Prediction
Storm Time Imperical Ionospheric Correction Model