Ionospheric Scintillation
Rapid fluctuations in amplitude and phase of satellite radio signals caused by small-scale electron density irregularities in the ionosphere.
Governing formula
Scintillation Index S₄ = √(⟨I²⟩ - ⟨I⟩²) / ⟨I⟩
SI unit
Dimensionless S₄ Index
In depth
Occurs primarily in equatorial and polar ionospheres post-sunset. Small-scale plasma bubbles diffract passing satellite signals, causing signal loss-of-lock for GPS navigation and satellite communications.
Examples in the real world
Equatorial ionospheric plasma bubbles causing GPS positioning errors during solar maximum periods.