Comparison of phase scintillations during low and high solar activity periods

This study compares and analyzes phase scintillation σφ during periods of low and high solar activity. This study focused on the low solar activity from July 2007 to June 2008 (sunspot number (SSN) ranging from 0 to 10) and the high solar activity from July 2013 to June 2014 (SSN 37-103). The data were obtained from a GISTM receiver at the Wireless and Radio Science Centre, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (1°52´N, 103°06´E). Results show that the monthly mean σφ value is within the range of 0.051 and 0.064 rad during high solar activity. Meanwhile, the value during low solar activity ranges between 0.026 and 0.042 rad. The hourly mean σφ is also higher during the period of high solar activity. The findings can be attributed to the increase of solar activity during the period of July 2013-June 2014.