Ionospheric TEC Variations Across Latitudes During the May 2024 Geomagnetic Superstorm

Between May 8 and 13, 2024, Earth experienced an intense geomagnetic storm-one of the most powerful in recent decadesinitiated by multiple X-class solar flares and rapid coronal mass ejections. This study investigates how the storm influenced ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) across low, mid, and high latitudes using data from GNSS-based ionosondes and solar-geophysical indices such as Dst, Kp, and IMF Bz. Findings indicate extreme TEC enhancements, especially in equatorial regions where values exceeded 48 TECU, far surpassing past storm benchmarks. The TEC fluctuations were largely attributed to prompt penetration electric fields, disturbance dynamo processes, and large-scale plasma redistribution. At mid-and high latitudes, different ionospheric dynamics emerged, including the influence of thermospheric winds and auroral precipitation. This analysis reinforces the need for coordinated global monitoring systems to better understand and mitigate space weather threats to navigation, communication, and infrastructure systems.