ISSN 2756-3383
African Journal of Library and Information Science ISSN 5721-610X Vol. 3 (11), pp. 001-005, November, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Investigation of electron density variation in some regions of the Ionosphere at Nsukka, Nigeria
Okeke Francisca Nneka1, Onwuneme S. Ebere1 and Hanson Esther Akpan2*
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
2Centre for Basic Space Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Accepted 04 April, 2017
Abstract
The variations of electron density in some regions of the ionosphere at Nsukka (6.50°N and 7.2°E) in Nigeria were investigated. The dependence of these variations on the 11 year solar cycle, seasonal changes, diurnal and altitude effects were analysed. The results of the analyses reveal that the electron density concentration in the ionosphere is dependent on heights. Our results also confirm the non-existence of the sun’s ionizing radiation at night in this region. It has been found that the electron density variations in Nsukka are of 11 year solar cycle. The years of high solar activities correspond to high electron density in Nsukka, while the years of low solar activities are also years of low electron density. Consequent to the findings from this study, it was found that in Nsukka electron density variations are higher in months of April and September, implying that electron densities attain maximum value during this period. The observed trends in electron density variations in the ionosphere at Nsukka may be attributed to the solar control of the ionosphere.
Key words: Electron density, magnetic variation, solar activity.