Ionospheric Responses of the High Latitude Solar Eclipse of 10 June 2021

Kurzfassung

We present a multi‑instrument investigation of the ionospheric response to a high‑latitude solar eclipse, combining EISCAT radar data with GNSS and in-situ satellite measurements. A solar eclipse causes a local reduction in ionospheric density due to diminished solar radiation, and the recovery phase often remains prolonged after the eclipse ends. We analyze altitude‑dependent plasma variations during the 10 June 2021 eclipse using EISCAT radar data and relate them to depletion and recovery in TEC derived from GNSS. Electron density and temperature show distinct responses, with density exhibiting strong altitude asymmetry. Higher‑altitude density responds more slowly, leading to delayed TEC depletion and recovery. The plasma pressure gradient and subsequent density diffusion explain the delayed response and sustained depletion, potentially enhanced by reduced neutral density