Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SID)

Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances (SID) are rapid changes in the Earth's ionosphere caused by intense solar activity, such as solar flares. These energetic bursts release radiation that interacts with the ionosphere—an electrically charged layer of atmosphere—disrupting its normal behavior. SIDs can affect radio communication, navigation systems, and satellite signals, especially over large regions. They typically last from minutes to hours and are a natural consequence of the Sun’s variable activity, highlighting the dynamic relationship between solar events and our atmosphere’s electrical properties.