Significant D-Region Electron Density Enhancements Induced by B-Class Solar Nanoflares During Solar Cycle 25 Maximum

Mustafa Alkhuzay1, H Allawi1
1Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Thi Qar, Iraq
Published: 22/07/2026
: Mustafa Alkhuzay, H Allawi. Significant D-Region Electron Density Enhancements Induced by B-Class Solar Nanoflares During Solar Cycle 25 Maximum. Cultura Científica, 2026 Issue 24. pg. 875-883.

Abstract

Previous studies have mainly examined the ionospheric effects of intense M- and X-class solar flares, while the influence of weaker B-class and sub-B-class nanoflares remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates changes in electron density within the ionospheric D-region during nanoflares occurring near the maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Solar X-ray flux was obtained from GOES satellite observations, while electron density was estimated through mathematical modelling that considered X-ray intensity, solar zenith angle, atmospheric composition, ionization, and recombination processes. Statistical analysis revealed a strong relationship between X-ray intensity and D-region electron density, with a coefficient of determination of approximately \(R^{2}=0.97\). The results show that even weak B-class nanoflares can produce measurable ionospheric disturbances and increase electron concentration. The cumulative influence of repeated nanoflares may also contribute to ionospheric variability. These findings improve understanding of weak solar events and may support more accurate ionospheric, communication, and navigation models.

Keywords: solar activity, solar flares, magnetic reconnection, coronal heating, space weather

Resumen

Previous studies have mainly examined the ionospheric effects of intense M- and X-class solar flares, while the influence of weaker B-class and sub-B-class nanoflares remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates changes in electron density within the ionospheric D-region during nanoflares occurring near the maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Solar X-ray flux was obtained from GOES satellite observations, while electron density was estimated through mathematical modelling that considered X-ray intensity, solar zenith angle, atmospheric composition, ionization, and recombination processes. Statistical analysis revealed a strong relationship between X-ray intensity and D-region electron density, with a coefficient of determination of approximately \(R^{2}=0.97\). The results show that even weak B-class nanoflares can produce measurable ionospheric disturbances and increase electron concentration. The cumulative influence of repeated nanoflares may also contribute to ionospheric variability. These findings improve understanding of weak solar events and may support more accurate ionospheric, communication, and navigation models.

Palabras clave: solar activity, solar flares, magnetic reconnection, coronal heating, space weather
Mustafa Alkhuzay
Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Thi Qar, Iraq
H Allawi
Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Thi Qar, Iraq

How to cite:

Mustafa Alkhuzay, H Allawi. Significant D-Region Electron Density Enhancements Induced by B-Class Solar Nanoflares During Solar Cycle 25 Maximum. Cultura Científica, 2026 Issue 24. pg. 875-883.

Publication History

Copyright © 2026, Mustafa Alkhuzay, H Allawi. Published by Cultura Científica. This article is published as open access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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