How often do we hear from relatives and friends that they have a headache because of magnetic storms. Of course, it is possible that they exaggerate, and the reasons for the deterioration of their well-being lie in something else. But many are absolutely right: a person is constantly under the influence of the activity of the Sun, which can affect the state of he alth. It is about why this happens that we will try to tell.
Sun Flares
The sun can be compared to a huge thermonuclear boiler. Incredible power processes take place here and explosions periodically occur that increase the activity of solar radiation. Explosions are called solar flares, and the further development of the process is called "solar storms".
For a long time, scientists believed that the Sun emits only visible and invisible light. But then it was found that the radiation contains particles that carry electric charges. Such particles are constantly evaporating from the atmosphere of the Sun, being, as it were, a continuation of the solar corona. At the moments of increased activity, the wavesolar radiation. At these moments, powerful electron and proton streams, as well as helium nuclei, are ejected from the solar atmosphere into interplanetary space. Streams have tremendous energy and speed. They fill the entire space of the solar system and are called the solar wind. Sometimes people replace the generally accepted name "solar wind" with a more sonorous one - "solar storms". It turns out that flares on the distant Sun affect any point of our planetary system, including the Earth.
Geomagnetic response
The Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from solar wind currents. But solar storms press on the magnetosphere, causing it to shrink. This significantly increases the strength of the magnetic field, which leads to a change in its properties. The response of the Earth to an increase in the activity of the Sun, that is, a flare, is geomagnetic storms. These processes are considered within the framework of studying the physics of interactions between the Earth and the Sun. Scientists have even introduced a special term "space weather". And the power of storms is described by the indices Dst and Kp. Under the greatest influence of perturbations of magnetic fields are the middle and low latitudes of the Earth. Closer to the equator, the impact of geomagnetic storms becomes less.
How long does it take from a flare to a geomagnetic storm?
Solar storms, consisting of streams of high-speed particles, reach the Earth's orbit in 12-24 hours. Magnetic fluctuations can continue from several hours to several days. WholeThe process is commonly referred to as a global magnetic storm. Conventionally, a geomagnetic disturbance is divided into several phases:
- Initial phase. The period of greatest influence on a person, when the pressure of the magnetic field increases. The length of the phase is approximately 4-6 hours, then the field returns to normal.
- Main phase. After the end of the initial phase, geomagnetic storms enter a period of decrease in the planet's magnetic field. The duration of the phase is from 10 to 15 hours (sometimes more).
- Recovery phase. During this period, the magnetic shell restores its natural size. May last several hours.
Can I make a prediction
Scientists have long realized that by studying solar storms, it is not very difficult to make a forecast. Observation of the Sun today is available not only from ground-based observatories, but also from extraterrestrial sites. It can be, for example, astronomical satellites. Thus, the observation of solar flares and coronal mass ejections has become much more accurate. At the same time, many scientists believe that solar flares and coronal ejections are different processes. And, predicting unfavorable days for the Earth's magnetic field, it is necessary to focus on coronal ejections.
Influence on a person
The violent fluctuation of the Earth's geomagnetic field has an adverse effect on human well-being. And it hits the most vulnerable points. One of the first to draw attention to the relationship between solar activity and exacerbation(occurrence) of diseases Soviet biophysicist L. A. Chizhevsky. It was he who initiated the study of the influence of magnetic storms on the physical and psycho-emotional state of a person.
It has now been established that on unfavorable days, the heart and blood vessels are the first to suffer. There is arrhythmia and tachycardia. Often there are jumps in blood pressure, manifestations of VVD increase. Many have exacerbated chronic processes. Migraines and depression are on the rise. The most unpleasant thing is that it is impossible to hide and protect yourself during this period. The processes that cause solar activity (magnetic storms) affect all corners of the Earth, although they affect with varying degrees of intensity: at the poles - maximum, at the equator - minimum. But it has been proven that there are places where it is especially dangerous to be during magnetic storms.
Dangerous places
The strongest impact on human well-being during geomagnetic disturbances is felt in the following cases:
- If a person takes an air flight. At altitude, the protection of the air layer is weaker. In addition, due to difficulties with concentration and distraction, air crashes occur more often during this period.
- Space weather has a stronger effect on the well-being of residents of the northern regions, especially in settlements beyond the 60th parallel.
- Intensify the negative impact of magnetic disturbances low-frequency magnetic fields of tunnels and underground metro stations.
After reading space weather forecasts, a person canplan your schedule so that you do not end up in dangerous places during unfavorable periods.
Help yourself
People quickly become aware of their vulnerability during solar activity. To minimize the consequences, you should learn to follow a few rules:
- Do not weaken the body with alcohol and nicotine on days of solar storms.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Keep a supply of essential medicines on hand. This is especially important for cores and hypertensive patients.
- Try not to overeat, eat more fish, vegetables and cereals during periods of magnetic storms.
- Use infusions of soothing plants if you are prone to anxiety and insomnia. Take soothing baths with herbs and essential oils.
If these measures are not enough, then seek advice from your doctor.
Only human affected?
Alas, not only people, but also electrical appliances and computers react to changes in the geomagnetic field during solar storms. At these moments, telephone communication deteriorates, navigation systems may turn off, mobile phones, tablets and computers fail, and transformers fail. In addition, there are failures in the operation of space satellites. Since all these events can affect the quality of a person's life, and in some cases even expose him to a deadlydanger, then forecasting and studying solar activity becomes especially relevant.
Strongest solar storm
In 1859, a superflare occurred on the Sun, causing a powerful solar storm. The astronomer R. Carrington was engaged in the observation and description of this phenomenon. Then, under the influence of a solar storm, large sections of the telegraph networks went out of order. Subsequently, a number of studies were carried out and it was proved that as a result of the “Carrington event” (as this geomagnetic storm was called), the ozone layer around the Earth was damaged.
What awaits us in the near future
The closest space weather forecast for December 2016 can be considered. The first solar storm in December will begin on the 3rd. It will be of medium strength and can affect the emotional state or cause insomnia.
But on December 8, the Earth will experience the impact of a strong magnetic storm. This is a dangerous period for hypertensive patients and cores. In addition, it is worth postponing flights.
The end of December will also bring fluctuations in the magnetic field. The process will continue from the 26th to the 29th. This solar storm will be average, however, given the proximity of the New Year holidays, it may negatively affect tired and tipsy people.
