Abstract. This work presents an analysis of the ionospheric responses to the solar
eclipse that occurred on 14 December 2020 over the Brazilian sector. This
event partially covers the south of Brazil, providing an excellent
opportunity to study the modifications in the peculiarities that occur in
this sector, as the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). Therefore, we used
the Digisonde data available in this period for two sites: Campo Grande (CG;
20.47∘ S, 54.60∘ W; dip ∼23∘ S) and
Cachoeira Paulista (CXP; 22.70∘ S, 45.01∘ W; dip ∼35∘ S), assessing the E and F regions and Es layer behaviors.
Additionally, a numerical model (MIRE, Portuguese acronym for E Region
Ionospheric Model) is used to analyze the E layer dynamics modification
around these times. The results show the F1 region disappearance and an
apparent electronic density reduction in the E region during the solar
eclipse. We also analyzed the total electron content (TEC) maps from the
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that indicate a weakness in the
EIA. On the other hand, we observe the rise of the Es layer electron
density, which is related to the gravity waves strengthened during solar
eclipse events. Finally, our results lead to a better understanding of the
restructuring mechanisms in the ionosphere at low latitudes during the solar
eclipse events, even though they only partially reached the studied regions.
