Ionospheric responses to solar flares: An analysis of ion composition changes during Moderately High Solar Activity in January 2023

This set of reports analyzes the ionospheric composition and effects of solar flares in January 2023 during periods of moderate to high solar activity. On January 6th, the solar zenith angle was 109.5 degrees, solar radio flux F10.7 was 119.2, and sunspot number was 70.2. On January 9th, the solar zenith angle reached 166.9 degrees, F10.7 was 119.4, and sunspot number was 70.4. On January 10th, the solar zenith angle was 137.1 degrees, F10.7 measured 119.4, and sunspot number remained at 70.4. The ionospheric data reveals typical profiles dominated by molecular ions at lower altitudes and lighter atomic ions higher up. An O+ layer peaked around 180 km. Comparison to quiet conditions shows impacts from the M-class and X-class flares on these days, including an enhanced and broadened O+ layer, increased molecular ions at 400-600 km, and temporary depletions of lighter ions around 500 km. These ionospheric changes match the flare timing and can be explained by flare-driven reactions. Geomagnetic activity also increased, signaling solar-terrestrial coupling. Together, the data provides evidence of complex atmospheric changes from solar flares spanning the electromagnetic spectrum during periods of moderately high solar activity. Analysis of ion composition gives insights into fundamental ionospheric processes and improving space weather prediction capabilities.