CONJUGATE OBSERVATIONS OF SUB-AURORAL ION DRIFTS FROM GROUND AND SPACE PLATFORMS

Abstract

Sub-auroral ion drifts (SAIDs) are narrow, fast westward plasma flows that occur equatorward of the auroral oval during geomagnetically active periods. Their impact on satellite drag, GNSS accuracy, and space weather prediction necessitates a comprehensive understanding through both ground-based and space-borne instruments. This study presents a conjugate analysis of SAIDs using coordinated observations from GNSS-based Total Electron Content (TEC) measurements, all-sky imagers, and the DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) spacecraft. Events from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed to explore latitudinal asymmetries, temporal evolution, and coupling dynamics. The results indicate significant hemispheric coherence in SAID dynamics, along with dependencies on local time and geomagnetic indices. The study highlights the necessity of multi-platform integration for reliable monitoring and modeling of ionospheric irregularities at mid-latitudes.