The calm before the storm: Russians expect strong magnetic storms
After a recent lull in solar activity, established on the surface of the star, began to increase. The day before, November 25, scientists have registered on the luminary powerful flare - the strongest over the past month. At the same time from behind the edge of the solar disk should appear new active centers, which could be the source of even more tangible explosions. Read more about what Russians should be prepared for and whether to expect magnetic storms in late November - in the material "Izvestia".
Flashes on the Sun: what is happening, the opinion of scientists
The decline in solar activity in November became for astronomers a big surprise. According to experts from the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy IKI and ISKZF RAS, this month observed only one flare of the highest score, while in October they were nine. And this is despite the fact that the calculations of scientists indicate: now the Sun should go to the peak of activity.
However, researchers believe that the luminary is just a little "tired". Currently, the Sun is still quite a lot of spots, but they are not particularly active. Such a phenomenon may be evidence that the star is simply saving energy, and in the future it may provoke a powerful outbreak.
According to scientists, for humans this process is invisible, as it occurs in the deepest layers. As a rule, the increase in solar activity is predicted by the growth of the area of dark spots.
Dangerous explosive centers: flares on the Sun from 25 to 26 November
The Sun completed its "respite" on November 25-26. Since last Sunday, November 24, large groups of spots began to behave atypically. According to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISSP RAS, the flare level M9.4 occurred on the surface of the Sun in the morning of November 25. Tracking instruments registered the event at 10:24 Moscow time, and after 20 minutes the explosion reached its peak.
Astronomers noted that the event was accompanied by a mass ejection into interplanetary space, but this "cloud", which could provoke a magnetic storm on our planet, with a probability of almost 100% will miss the Earth. However, according to experts, the spiral of solar activity is rapidly unwinding. The M-class flare was one of the strongest in November.
Most of its energy was concentrated behind the edge of the solar disk, where new explosive centers are hidden. Scientists can not draw a full conclusion, because these areas are not visible from Earth. According to calculations of the Laboratory of Solar Activity, these centers in the near future will turn to our planet, and may also become the cause of flares of high class X.
According to experts, an additional threat poses and active area with serial number 3906, located near the equator and in recent days actively "pumped" energy, which can "spill out" at any time. So, in total for Monday, November 25, on the Sun there were 14 flares.
Half of them were weak and received a class C - they do not pose a threat to the Earth. Seven explosions were assigned an average class M, among which was the one that worried astronomers.
Magnetic storms: what to expect on November 26, 2024
Magnetic storms are perturbations of the Earth's magnetic field caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the planet's magnetosphere. They have a significant impact on various spheres of life, including human health.
On Tuesday morning, November 26, the Earth's magnetosphere was in an unstable state. K-index, used to assess geomagnetic activity, reached 3 points. At the same time in the condition of weak magnetic storms it usually makes about 5 points.
Despite the growth of this index, today magnetic storms are not predicted. Presumably, the K-index will remain stable throughout the day. The probability of a geomagnetic storm today is 15%. Scientists expect the greatest perturbation of the magnetosphere only on November 29 and 30.
Geomagnetic disturbance: the impact on human health
Despite many observations and studies, scientists do not know exactly what specific effects magnetic storms have on humans. Studies show correlations between magnetic activity and health, but do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. This may be due to individual differences in how the body reacts to external factors.
Some people may experience a change in blood pressure during a magnetic storm, increasing levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the blood. These hormones, in turn, affect the cardiovascular system, which can cause headaches, migraines and exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Cosmic phenomena can affect mood and psycho-emotional state. Some scientists claim that depression and anxiety increase during storms. People may experience irritability and visual impairment.
People who suffer from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or meteorological dependence are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the magnetic field. They may experience more acute symptoms on days of magnetic storms, requiring increased attention to their well-being.
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