Study of VLF signal during partial solar eclipse of 25 October 2022

The partial solar eclipse on October 25, 2022, had an observable effect on very low frequency (VLF) signals along the transmission paths of GQD (22.10 kHz) and DHO (23.40 kHz). Signal variations were analyzed for October 22-28, 2022, with a focus on amplitude changes during the greatest eclipse (GE) phase. During the partial solar eclipse, the GQD and DHO signal paths experienced 11% and 14% obstructions, respectively. On the day of the eclipse, the amplitude of the GQD is 0.83 dB lower compared to pre-days and 0.11 dB greater than post-days, and for DHO it is increased by 0.26 dB and 0.57 dB for pre- and post-eclipse days at the time of GE. Observations revealed stronger solar flare signatures in GQD signal compared to the DHO signal, attributed to differences in ionospheric conditions along the propagation paths. A pronounced rise in amplitude before and after the GE phase was observed in the GQD signal, linked to solar flare activity. Additionally, the analysis confirmed that the PSE was the primary driver of increased VLF signal amplitude during the GE phase along the DHO path. The results emphasize the significant impact of partial solar eclipses on ionospheric dynamics and VLF signal propagation.