ionosondes

An ionosonde is a scientific instrument that sends radio waves upward into the Earth's ionosphere, a layer of charged particles. It measures how these waves bounce back after hitting different ionosphere layers. By analyzing the returning signals, the ionosonde creates a profile of the ionosphere’s density and structure at various heights. This information helps scientists understand how the ionosphere affects radio communication and navigation systems, and how it changes over time due to solar activity and other factors. Essentially, an ionosonde acts like a radar for the upper atmosphere, providing valuable data for communication and space weather research.