Ioonosfeeri

The ionosphere is a region of Earth's upper atmosphere, stretching from about 60 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers (37 to 620 miles) above the surface. It is characterized by the presence of a significant number of ionized particles, or ions. This ionization is primarily caused by ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from the Sun.

These high-energy solar photons strip electrons from atmospheric atoms and molecules, creating free electrons and positively charged ions. The density of these charged particles varies greatly depending on the time of day, season, and solar activity. During the day, solar radiation is strongest, leading to higher ionization levels. At night, without direct solar radiation, the ionosphere becomes less dense.

The ionosphere plays a crucial role in radio wave propagation. Its ionized layers can reflect or refract radio waves, allowing long-distance communication. Different layers within the ionosphere, such as the D, E, and F layers, have distinct ionization densities and affect radio waves of different frequencies in different ways. The D layer, present during the day, absorbs most radio waves, while the E and F layers reflect them.

Understanding the ionosphere is important for various technological applications, including radio communication, satellite navigation (like GPS), and space weather forecasting. Disturbances in the ionosphere, often caused by solar flares or geomagnetic storms, can disrupt these technologies.