Lunar semi-monthly variation in the equatorial electrojet field in India

Summary. Using an index derived from the observations of horizontal intensity at two stations in the Indian equatorial region, the characteristics of the lunar semi-monthly tide in the equatorial electrojet strength are studied. It is shown that a contamination of the lunar signal by recurrent geomagnetic disturbance is largely eliminated and that the strength of the signal vanes systematically with solar time. Comparison of amplitude between conditions of low and high solar activity indicates a difference in local time progression, while the phase change is independent of the solar activity and season. Results of seasonal subdivision of data indicate that the largest amplitude is associated with the d-season. With increased solar activity there is an increase in the d- and e-seasons and a marginal decrease in the j-season. For all the seasons, the phase progression is fairly consistent with the theoretical considerations of Stening.