The role of various ionization sources in the A3 lf radio-wave absorption in middle latitudes

Summary The 272 kHz ionospheric absorption has been measured at the Prhonice Observatory by the A3 method (oblique incidence) for a long period. The results of the comparison of these absorption data with indices of solar, geomagnetic and cosmic ray activity are presented for large solar zenith angles. The day-time absorption (x 75° – 85°) is described well by these indices and appears to be affected particularly by direct solar Lyman- radiation. The night-time absorption (x>100°), however, is not described sufficiently by the indices used.