Dataset of Quiet Space Weather Periods for Ionospheric Studies

Abstract The ionosphere is a dynamic environment regularly affected from above and from below. This study identifies periods within the years 2000–2023 when the impact from above, driven by space weather, was minimal. The quiet space weather periods have wide usage for two types of ionospheric studies. At first, studies of isolated space weather events that disrupt quiet periods. Second, studies of the lower atmosphere effects on the ionosphere when space weather drivers are negligible. For the first time, we provide examples of both such studies by using data from GNSS receivers, a continuous Doppler sounding system, ionosondes, and airglow spectrometers. The results demonstrate the capability of our data set to contribute to an extensive effort to provide interpretations to still unexplained ionospheric variations.