Project title: Characterisation of Extreme Space Weather Effects on the Ionosphere

Project No. lzp-2025/1-0067

Project abbreviation: IONEX

Programme: Latvian Science Council, Fundamental and Applied Research Projects

Project funding: 300 000 euro.

Project time span: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028

Project's summary:

Within the framework of this project, a comprehensive integrated multi-messenger methodology will be developed for the investigation of ionospheric wave activity. This approach will combine radio astronomical observations (such as scintillations of cosmic radio sources) with geomagnetic field measurements and cosmic ray data, enabling simultaneous analysis of ionospheric dynamics from multiple complementary perspectives.

The project will carry out and analyse ionospheric scintillation observations of strong cosmic radio sources, including Cassiopeia A, Cygnus A, and Taurus A, during periods of intense solar activity. Observations will be performed using the following facilities:

• LOFAR LV614 station in Irbene, Latvia
• KAIRA antenna array in Kilpisjärvi, Finland
• URAN-4 decameter radio telescope in the Odessa region, Ukraine

The project will investigate space weather effects across the territory of the historical Struve Geodetic Arc, covering Latvia, Finland, and Ukraine. Special emphasis will be placed on the Odessa Regional Magnetic Anomaly (ORMA), where unique geomagnetic conditions may amplify space weather impacts on the ionosphere.

A detailed catalogue of ionospheric wave activity will be created, documenting scintillation characteristics and geomagnetic variations associated with:

• Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
• Solar eclipses, including the eclipse on 12 August 2026
• Acoustic–gravity waves generated by the solar terminator (the boundary between day and night)

The project will deepen understanding of the interactions between cosmic rays, geomagnetic field variations, and ionospheric dynamics, contributing to the development of more accurate ionospheric models and improving scientific knowledge of solar–terrestrial interactions.

Project goal:

During project implementation, extensive dissemination of scientific results and public outreach activities will be conducted to ensure both academic and societal impact.

• At least six scientific articles will be prepared and published in international peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, with priority given to Q1 and Q2 journals.
• Intermediate research results will be made publicly available as preprints on arXiv.org and on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences website.
• Project results will be presented at leading international conferences focused on solar activity, space weather, and ionospheric research.
• Public lectures and discussions will be organised in Latvia and Ukraine, particularly targeting school pupils, students, and educators.
• Popular science articles in Latvian will be prepared, including publications in the astronomy magazine “Zvaigžņotā Debess”, an important astronomy education resource in Latvia.
• Regular updates on project progress and outcomes will be published on partner institution websites and disseminated via social media, ensuring access for a broad audience and fostering international collaboration.

Contacts:

Project PI – Prof. Ilya Usoskin, ilya.usoskin@oulu.fi

Project researcher - MSc Vladislavs Bezrukovs, vladislavs.bezrukovs@venta.lv 

Project coordinator for administrative matters - Linda Ūdre, linda.udre@venta.lv

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