JOHOR BAHRU – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), proudly congratulates Dr. Suhaila M Buhari from the Department of Physics on successfully securing a research grant worth RM143,800 under the Exploratory and Transformative Research Grant (GET), Phase 1, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia.
The awarded research project, entitled “Decay of Post-Sunset Scintillation and its Relationship with Equatorial Plasma Bubbles,” focuses on investigating disturbances in the Earth’s ionosphere that can affect satellite communication and navigation systems.
The research examines the behaviour and decay of ionospheric scintillation, a phenomenon involving rapid fluctuations in radio signals travelling through the Earth’s ionosphere. These fluctuations are often associated with equatorial plasma bubbles, which are regions of reduced electron density that typically develop after sunset in equatorial regions.
Understanding the relationship between post-sunset scintillation and equatorial plasma bubbles is essential for improving knowledge of space weather phenomena that influence satellite-based technologies. Such disturbances can reduce the accuracy and reliability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including GPS, and potentially affect satellite communication services.
Through advanced ionospheric observations and scientific analysis, the project aims to investigate how scintillation weakens over time and how this process relates to the development and evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles. The findings could contribute to improved understanding and prediction of ionospheric disturbances, particularly in equatorial regions such as Malaysia.
This research highlights the growing importance of space physics, atmospheric science, and satellite technology in supporting modern communication and navigation infrastructure. A deeper understanding of ionospheric behaviour could provide valuable scientific knowledge for developing more reliable satellite-based systems and strengthening space weather research capabilities.
The successful acquisition of this competitive research grant reflects Dr. Suhaila’s commitment to advancing fundamental physics research with potential technological applications. This achievement further strengthens the Faculty of Science’s research excellence and aligns with UTM ASCEND 2030, particularly in promoting impactful scientific discoveries, technological innovation, and research that addresses emerging global challenges.
The Faculty of Science extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Suhaila M Buhari on this achievement and wishes her continued success in advancing space physics research and contributing to a better understanding of the Earth’s ionospheric environment.
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