Red-level magnetic storm to hit Earth this weekend: how to protect yourself from harmful effects

The geomagnetic storm that began on August 9 will continue on Earth for two more days. On August 10-11, we are expected to experience six-point K-index magnetic storms.

This forecast is provided by the Space Weather Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States. However, the Center noted that the forecast may change slightly in 12 hours.

Similar data is provided by experts from Meteoagent. The storms of August 10-11 are classified as red, meaning that such geomagnetic disturbances can have a negative and quite powerful impact on people and equipment.

According to a detailed forecast, the geomagnetic storm will peak on June 10 (for our time zone, in the afternoon, at about 15:00). However, the storm will begin to subside quickly in the afternoon of Sunday. And on Monday morning, geomagnetic fluctuations on the Earth are expected to return to normal.

Although the current geomagnetic storm is considered powerful, experts classify it as G2. G3 storms cause so-called auroras (i.e., auroras that can be seen not only at the poles of the planet). And the G4 level implies that, in addition to serious interference with communications, there may be serious disruption of satellite and radio frequency navigation on Earth. Only G5 storms are more dangerous, but they are extremely rare.

What is the reason?

According to astronomers, spot AR3663, the most active sunspot of the 25th solar cycle, made another coronal ejection as it approached the western edge of the Sun. The neighboring sunspot AR3664 produced the same ejection. Both emissions coincided in time and caused a geomagnetic storm.

Fortunately, the coronal emission vector was not directed at the Earth, so the storm, although powerful, 6-point K-index, is only G2 in class.

These spots have been behaving too actively since the beginning of May.

What is a magnetic storm?

Geomagnetic storms are perturbations of the Earth's magnetic field due to flares in the Sun's corona. There is a magnetosphere around our planet (not every celestial body has one, by the way). It is a kind of protection against solar radiation. After a flare in the Sun's corona, the so-called solar wind reaches the Earth and begins to exert more pressure on the magnetic shell of our planet.

Normally, the pressures of the planet's magnetosphere and the solar wind are constant and equal. However, during solar flares, the speed of the solar wind increases, and its pressure on the Earth's magnetosphere increases accordingly. Fluctuations in such pressures are a geomagnetic storm.

What to do during magnetic storms

Weather-sensitive and weather-dependent people are affected by geomagnetic disturbances. Some doctors explain the deterioration of health in such people by the fact that fluctuations in the magnetic field slow down capillary circulation and cause oxygen starvation of tissues.

That's why changes in the Earth's magnetic field can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, decreased performance, and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Doctors advise not only meteorologically sensitive people to protect themselves from magnetic storms, but all people. First of all, it is worth changing your daily routine for a while so that you can get enough sleep.

Particular attention should be paid to the diet. One should avoid fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee. On the contrary, it is recommended to include herbal teas in the diet and drink more water.

Doctors also recommend giving up heavy physical activity and replacing strength training with a walk in the fresh air.

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