How often do we hear from relatives and friends that they have a headache due to 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 influenced by the activity of the Sun, which can affect the state of health. It is about why this is happening, we will try to tell.
Sun Flares
The sun can be compared to a huge thermonuclear boiler. Here processes of incredible power take place and explosions periodically occur that enhance 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 particles carrying electric charges are present in the radiation. Such particles always evaporate from the atmosphere of the Sun, being, as it were, a continuation of the solar corona. At times of increased activity, wave solar radiation also intensifies. At these moments, powerful electron and proton fluxes, as well as helium nuclei, are ejected from the solar atmosphere into the 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 flashes on the distant Sun affect any point on our planetary system, including the Earth.
Geomagnetic response
Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from solar wind currents. But solar storms press on the magnetosphere, as a result of which it contracts. This significantly increases the magnetic field, which leads to a change in its properties. Earth's response to an increase in solar activity, that is, an outbreak, is caused by geomagnetic storms. These processes are considered in the framework of studying the physics of the interactions of the Earth and the Sun. Scientists have even coined the special term "space weather." And the power of the 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 smaller.
What is the time span from a flash to a geomagnetic storm?
Solar storms, consisting of streams of high-speed particles, reach the Earth’s orbit in 12-24 hours. Magnetic oscillations can last from several hours to several days. The whole process is called the world magnetic storm. Conditionally 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 phase is about 4-6 hours, then the field returns to normal.
- The main phase. After the initial phase is over, geomagnetic storms enter a period of a decrease in the planet's magnetic field. The duration of the phase is from 10 to 15 hours (sometimes more).
- The recovery phase. During this period, the magnetic shell restores its natural value. It can last several hours.
Is it possible to make a forecast
Scientists have long realized that by studying solar storms, making a forecast is not very difficult. Observation of the Sun today is available not only from ground-based observatories, but also from extraterrestrial sites. These can be, for example, astronomical satellites. Thus, the observation of solar flares and coronary mass ejections has become much more accurate. However, many scientists believe that solar flares and coronary emissions are different processes. And, predicting adverse days for the Earth’s magnetic field, it is necessary to focus on coronary emissions.
Human impact
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 of solar activity and exacerbation (occurrence) of diseases was the Soviet biophysicist L. A. Chizhevsky. It was he who laid the foundation for 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 adverse days, the heart and blood vessels are affected primarily. Arrhythmia and tachycardia appear. Often there are jumps in blood pressure, increased manifestations of the IRR. Many exacerbate chronic processes. Migraines and depression are becoming more frequent. 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 - at maximum, at the equator - at a minimum. But it is proved that there are points at which it is especially dangerous to be in a period of magnetic storms.
Dangerous places
The greatest impact on human well-being during geomagnetic disturbances is felt in the following cases:
- If a person flies. At altitude, the protection of the air layer is weaker. In addition, due to difficulties with concentration and dispersal of attention during this period, air accidents more often occur.
- Space weather has a stronger effect on the well-being of residents of the northern regions, especially in settlements beyond the 60th parallel.
- The low-frequency magnetic fields of tunnels and underground metro stations amplify the negative influence of magnetic disturbances.
After reading space weather forecasts, a person can plan his schedule so as not to be in dangerous places in unfavorable periods.
help yourself
People quickly realize their vulnerability during a period of solar activity. To minimize the consequences, it is worth learning to observe several rules:
- Do not weaken the body with alcohol and nicotine during solar storm days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Keep the supply of essential drugs on hand. This is especially important for cores and hypertonics.
- Try not to overeat, eat more fish, vegetables and cereals during periods of magnetic storms.
- Use infusions of sedative plants if you are prone to anxiety and insomnia. Take soothing baths with herbs and essential oils.
If these measures are not enough, then consult your doctor for recommendations.
Under the influence of only man?
Alas, not only people react to changes in the geomagnetic field during solar storms, but also electrical appliances and computer technology. At these moments, telephone service is deteriorating, navigation systems may be disconnected, mobile phones, tablets and computers fail, transformers malfunction. In addition, there are failures in the work of space satellites. Since all these events can affect a person’s quality of life, and in some cases even put him in mortal danger, the prediction and study of solar activity becomes especially relevant.
Violent solar storm
In 1859, a superflare occurred on the Sun, causing a severe solar storm. The astronomer R. Carrington was involved in observing and describing this phenomenon. Then, under the influence of a solar storm, large sections of telegraph networks failed. 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 we can consider the space weather forecast for December 2016. The first solar storm in December will begin on the 3rd. She will be of medium strength and will be able to affect the emotional state or cause insomnia.
But on 8.12 the Earth will experience the effects of a strong magnetic storm. This is a dangerous period for hypertensive patients and cores. In addition, it is worth delaying 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 can negatively affect tired and tipsy people.