The solar wind is not constant. The stream of particles, flowing along magnetic field lines between the sun and earth, changes as sunspot regions and other solar features form and decay, and as the sun rotates. Satellites , located between the sun and earth, monitor the solar wind and provide real time data for solar forecasters. Real Time TEC Map over North America. Movie of Global TEC on Oct. 17, 1998.
Solar radiation is absorbed in different layers of the ionosphere.
Other Effects Satellite Drag causes decaying of the satellite orbit due to the increased number of particles in the near earth environment. Satellite Charging is the process of building a differential charge on the satellite skin. Problems arise when there is a discharge through the satellite, which can affect unprotected sensors. Electron and proton sensors. DMSP Aurora is detected by the visible channel.