Anomalous Variation of VLF Signals in the Total Solar Eclipse of 22nd July 2009

Using the sudden ionospheric disturbance (SID) monitor provided by the Stanford University, the very low frequency (VLF) signals were observed in Nanjing during the total solar eclipse on 22nd July 2009. It is found that the intensity of the VLF signal varied anomalously during the total solar eclipse, exhibiting the effect similar to the sunrise and sunset, and that the intensity of the VLF signal strongly fluctuated, exhibiting the effect similar to thunderbolts. Moreover, the signal intensity enhanced in short periods both before and after the total eclipse. Based on the discussion on the reliability of the observed data and the comparison with the previous observations, it is found that the ionosphere exhibits some variations previous to the total solar eclipse.