GNSS Solar Astronomy in real-time during more than one solar cycle

Abstract

This work presents a summary of the continuous non-stop (hereinafter 24/7) real-time measurement and warning system for EUV solar activity, which is based on worldwide multifrequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations. The system relies on continuous tracking of the intensity of expected global patterns in the Earth’s ionosphere’s free electron distribution, which are associated with solar flares. The paper includes a discussion on the foundations of GNSS Solar Astronomy, along with details on its real-time implementation that began in 2011. Furthermore, a summary of the corresponding validation is provided, comparing it to external and direct solar EUV flux measurements obtained from SOHO-SEM. Finally, there will be a brief mention of the ongoing efforts to extend this technique to detect huge extra-solar sources.