Low-Cost Radiometric Monitoring of Ionospheric and Auroral Variability in the Arctic

Abstract

This report summarises radiometer and GNSSbased Total Electron Content (TEC) observation campaigns conducted at the Arctic North Pole Station. Radiometer measurements provided continuous monitoring of microwave radiation, capturing variations in the upper atmosphere during periods of auroral activity, and played a key role in assessing Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). In parallel, GNSS-based TEC measurements, derived from dual-frequency signal delays, enabled high-resolution monitoring of ionospheric electron content and space weather phenomena over the polar region. While radiometers are conventionally important for RFI detection and atmospheric profiling, GNSS-based TEC measurements uniquely characterise ionospheric variability. Comparative use of both instruments facilitates comprehensive observation of radio emissions due to solar wind and recombination in the ionosphere, enabling robust validation and cross-calibration. The findings highlight the value of combining radio emission monitoring with affordable instrumentation for enhanced observation of ionospheric and auroral processes in the Arctic. © 2025 IEEE.