Monitoring Ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) and Irregularities at the Conjugate Point Between Indonesia and China

The ionosphere, a crucial region in the Earth's upper atmosphere, plays a pivotal role in the propagation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, SBAS, COMPASS, and QZSS. Variations in Total Electron Content (TEC) and Rate of TEC Index (ROTI) within the ionosphere can significantly influence the accuracy and reliability of these signals. This research conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis of TEC variations and ROTI between two strategically located stations: INTU in Bandung City, Indonesia (Lat -6.98N, Lon 107.63E), and GXGN in Guilin City, China (Lat 25.35N, Lon 110.35E). These cities, situated in low-latitude regions, were hypothesized to share a magnetic conjugate relationship. Utilizing data from GNSS Ionospheric Monitor during the equinox season of March 2022, the study found that the GXGN station recorded a higher overall mean TEC value of 45.38 TECU compared to INTU's 28.64 TECU. The study reveals notable anomalies in daily ROTI values, INTU exhibiting irregularities on Day 52 and Day 93, while GXGN showed anomalies on Day 77. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential magnetic conjugate relationship between the two stations. The primary contribution of this paper is to investigate the ionospheric conditions and their implications for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals. Specifically, the study aims to understand the TEC and ROTI variations, their effect on the accuracy and reliability of the GNSS signal, and whether the two stations exhibit a magnetic conjugate relationship.