Earth’s geomagnetic equator passes very close to the southern tip of India.
There is a unique and very strong current of the order of 100 kA known as Equatorial ElectroJet (EEJ).
It flows at around 105-110 km height in the upper atmosphere.
Due to this intense current jet, the geomagnetic field near the equator is uniquely enhanced by a few tens to a few hundreds of nano teslas (nT).
Measuring this current intensity through the geomagnetic field enhancement provides an important understanding of the variation of ionospheric electric field.
The Scientists from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) Navi Mumbai, have developed an empirical model that can predict the EEJ current very accurately.
It will help to understand the EEJ’s impact on orbiting satellite, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based navigation/positioning and other satellite communication links as well as electrical power grids.