Magnetic storms in July 2025: can we expect health problems on "dangerous" days
Geomagnetic storms occur regularly and have become a common occurrence. The frequency of a storm depends on the flares on the side of the Sun that faces the Earth. Changes in the magnetic field have the strongest effect on technical devices and satellites, but it is believed that storms affect people's well-being. For more information on whether to expect strong geomagnetic fluctuations in July 2025 and how to prepare for this natural phenomenon, see the Izvestia article.
Geomagnetic storms in July 2025: schedule
Magnetic storms are a type of geomagnetic activity. They are caused by the arrival of perturbed solar wind fluxes in the vicinity of the Earth and their interaction with the magnetosphere. The intensity of storms is measured on a five-point scale with an index of G. The system divides the intensity of the phenomenon into levels: from G1 (weak storms) to G5 (extremely strong storms).
It is impossible to predict the strength of magnetic storms. The reason for this is that solar flares occur all the time, and the forecast is based on their activity. Scientists can only observe phenomena in the sun and, when detecting coronal emissions, warn about the possible approach of magnetic storms to Earth in the short term, explained Robert Zakinyan, professor at the Department of Analysis of Geophysical Information and Meteorological Forecasts at the North Caucasus Federal University. Usually, the schedule is made up for 27 days — during this period, the Sun makes a complete rotation around its axis relative to the Earth.
A coronal mass ejection is the release of matter from a stellar corona.
In Russia, solar activity is monitored by the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. According to their data, July will begin without shocks and increases in the geomagnetic background. From July 1 to July 6, the magnetosphere will be calm. On Monday, July 7, experts predict an "excited" magnetosphere.
But the situation will be calm for the next two days. But a magnetic storm is expected on July 10 and 11. But don't panic. The storm will be weak, G1 level. On the weekend of July 12 and 13, the magnetosphere will still be agitated, but without storms. And on July 14, the magnetosphere will recover, moving into the "green zone". This condition will last until the 20th of the month. On Monday the 21st, according to the forecast, the magnetosphere will become excited. Weak magnetic storms will take place on July 22 and 23. No geomagnetic fluctuations are expected after the second month of summer.
Scientists have found that the frequency of solar flares corresponds to a cycle of 11 years. In each such period, there is a peak in activity when the largest number of emissions occur. Because of this, the intensity of magnetic storms is also increasing. It is impossible to predict in advance the moment of strong solar activity. Specialists can determine this only seven months after its completion.
Who suffers from magnetic storms
It is believed that magnetic storms have a bad effect on weather-dependent people. This phenomenon can cause them to feel unwell. Weather-dependent people usually refer to those who are susceptible to changes in weather and atmospheric phenomena. However, weather dependence is not a diagnosis. This trait is not recognized by official medicine and is not included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
According to modern science, the Earth's magnetic field, like any other solar flare, does not directly affect human health. It is generally believed that over the millennia of evolution, living beings have adapted to geomagnetic disturbances. However, there are those who are at risk, such as pilots and astronauts. They can receive an increased dose of radiation during magnetic storms.
Veronika Lisitskaya, a general practitioner at the Rays Group of companies, argues that in a healthy person, surges in atmospheric pressure, solar activity and magnetic storms should not cause negative reactions. The symptoms that are often attributed to weather dependence are manifestations of pre—existing diseases.
People with anemia, latent iron deficiency, who are prone to thyroid malfunction and chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system are most susceptible to such an impact, the expert says.
Examination of the patient in an open-type magnetic resonance imaging machine
However, there is an opinion in the scientific community that space weather affects the electric charge inside the body's cells. As a result, a person may experience physical changes during periods of increased solar activity.
"All living beings are made of molecules, the particles (electrons) of which rotate around the nucleus, thereby creating an electric current. Every atom of the human body has a magnetic field. Therefore, we must also be exposed to external influences. However, the human body is a stable system, small fluctuations should not affect a healthy body," explained Robert Zakinian.
At the same time, Evgeny Pakhomov, a neurologist at the Moscow MRI Centers, Ph.D., recalls that in the case of MRI, a stronger magnetic field acts on the human body without causing any harm. And feeling unwell during magnetic storms can be the result of hypochondria and autosuggestion.
Global Catastrophe: what's coming in the future
The most powerful geomagnetic storm in the history of observations occurred on September 1, 1859. The complex of events, which included both the storm itself and the powerful active phenomena that caused it on the Sun, is called a Solar Superstorm. Northern Lights have been observed all over the world, even over the Caribbean. The phenomenon caused serious damage to people: telegraph lines were overloaded, and electricity went out in many cities.
According to National Geographic experts, solar storms of the 21st century threaten much more serious consequences, given the dependence of modern humanity on electricity and telecommunications.
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