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Magnetic storms in Fervla 2025: a series of painful days for the weather-sensitive is coming
In February, Russians are expecting not only the shortest month of the year, but also tangible weather shocks. Magnetic storms of varying intensity are expected at the beginning, middle and end of the month. Geomagnetic activity on Earth in February is expected to be increased due to a hole formed in the Sun's magnetic field, which allows solar wind streams to pass through. Read more about what to expect meteorologists in February - in the material "Izvestia".
Magnetic storms: what is it
Geomagnetic storms are the result of an increase in solar wind streams - high-energy particles ejected by the Sun. When these particles collide with the Earth's magnetic field, they cause its oscillations, which are recorded by scientific instruments. If the power of the fluctuations is small, they pass almost without trace, but significant storms can affect the well-being of people and the work of machinery. For example, the activation of magnetic storms can lead to GPS navigation failures, deterioration of radio frequency communications and increased risks for aviators.
The power of magnetic storms is measured by different indices. Thus, in the scientific environment, the Dst index is more widespread, which is calculated with the help of special instruments installed at the Earth's magnetic equator. According to the sensors determine and Kr-index, expressed in points from 0 to 9.
However, for ordinary people it is more familiar to the five-point index G, where each of the levels means the degree of intensity of the magnetic storm. Such a system for evaluating magnetic field fluctuations was established in 1999 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the official source of space weather forecasts.
G1 - weak. Virtually no effect on machinery, but can provoke animal migration. One such storm occurs about once every two or three days, during the 11-year cycle of the Sun's activity there are about 1700 of them.
G2 - moderate. Can cause small voltage fluctuations in power grids at high latitudes, i.e. near the North and South Poles. In addition, can lead to the appearance of northern (or polar) lights in the area from the poles to 50 degrees latitude. Such a storm usually occurs once a week.
G3 - strong. Magnetic field disturbances can create some disruptions in satellite navigation and power systems. Polar lights can be seen at mid-latitudes. There are about 200 such storms in 11 years, and on average they occur once every two to three weeks.
G4s are very strong. Storms provoke problems with voltage control and partial destruction of energy systems. In addition, satellite navigation can be impaired for several hours. In this case, northern lights may be visible in central Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. About 100 such storms hit the Earth per solar cycle, usually one in one and a half to two months.
G5 - extremely strong. Such magnetic storms can destroy power systems and cause damage to transformers, as well as impair the accuracy of satellite navigation devices. Northern lights can be seen even at the equator. Four to six such storms occur over the course of 11 years, with an average of one every two to three years.
In 2025, solar activity will reach the peak of its next cycle and is expected to cause severe computer malfunctions and power grid outages. In addition, in February, geomagnetic activity on Earth will be elevated due to a hole formed in the Sun's magnetic field, allowing solar wind streams to pass through. As people rely more and more heavily on satellite navigation, electricity and telecommunications over the years, this makes them more sensitive to the changing moods of the Sun than ever before, scientists say. NASA officials say they are actively preparing for all of nature's possible challenges.
Magnetic storms in February 2025: unfavorable days
Space weather on February 1 will be turbulent. According to astrophysicists, on this date with a probability of 51% there will be a magnetic storm, but it will be of moderate intensity, about 5 points on the Kp scale.
In mid and late February, the Earth's magnetosphere will also be perturbed due to solar flares. Especially difficult will be February 27, when a magnetic storm of interessence of 5 points on the Kp scale is also expected.
Scientists note that the probability of new "surprises" from coronal holes in the Sun remains elevated, so it is worth keeping a close eye on the forecasts.
Astronomer Vitaly Ugreninov emphasized that it will not be possible to avoid geomagnetic disturbances altogether, but experts warn in advance of all changes in the Earth's magnetosphere.
According to Deputy Director of the Institute of Applied Geophysics Vladimir Kolomin, the events that occurred in 2024 in the form of powerful flares and magnetic storms were not unusual.
- This is a normal course of events, because in 2025 will be just the peak of solar activity. But it should be understood that magnetic storms have quite serious consequences in our age, when there is an intensive development of technology, electronics, - said the expert.
Magnetic storms in February 2025: whether to wait for health problems
The influence of magnetic storms on human health is studied by heliobiology. The very name of the science came from the Greek word "Ἥλιος", which means "sun". This direction appeared in the 1930s, its founder was the Soviet physicist Alexander Chizhevsky.
Heliobiologists are looking for a connection between storms due to solar flares and various human health problems. However, to prove that the fluctuations seriously affect any disease, has not yet succeeded. At the same time, most experts are sure that there is a connection between magnetic storms and well-being.
Thus, leading researcher of the laboratory "Space Weather" of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) Tamara Breus said that the cells of the human body have a certain electrical charge, so they can respond to magnetic storms. If the geomagnetic field fluctuates with an interval of one or two seconds (with the same periodicity occur heartbeats), the well-being of people suffering from vascular and heart problems may worsen.
Sergei Tarasov, a psychiatrist at the Clinic of Dr. Isaev, noted that during magnetic storms, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases due to the fact that blood viscosity increases and it becomes harder for the heart to push it through. The main problems that can be felt by a person are associated with a violation of trophic of vital organs and tissues.
According to the expert, especially strong magnetic storms affect people with chronic diseases and pathologies. There may be an effect of hypoxia with feelings of drowsiness and weakness, there is also a possibility of squeezing headaches or migraines. This also happens to humans due to changes in the rate of movement of blood and other biological fluids in the body.
In the list of people most susceptible to changes in the Earth's magnetic field, Polina Kontzedailo, a cardiologist and medical expert at Invitro, added those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, in particular those with arterial hypertension, hypertensive crisis and ischemic heart disease. She noted that during magnetic storms some people complain of headaches, palpitations, joint pain, irritability, weakness and insomnia.
However, doctors warn that there is no reliable information confirming the impact of magnetic storms on human well-being, and such symptoms may arise as a result of self-inflicted. After all, many people, having learned about the approach of magnetic storms, begin to fear the worst, which eventually leads to a deterioration of well-being due to emotional stress.
How to protect yourself from unfavorable days in February 2025
Despite the fact that magnetic storms do not pose a serious threat to health, experts recommend following some rules to prepare for the situation.
For people who are sensitive to geomagnetic storms, it is important to follow the advice of the attending physician and monitor their sensations. It is also recommended to:
- monitor blood pressure;
- keep all necessary medications and water with you;
- avoid stress, negative emotions;
- limit alcohol, cigarettes and junk food and instead drink more water.
The general consensus of experts is that the most important thing is not to be wishy washy. Fear and obsessive thoughts about possible problems can provoke deterioration of health. In this case, the cause of health problems may be excessive emotionality.
In case of extremely strong storms, it will be useful to charge all devices, including cell phones and laptops and other electronics in advance. Such measures will help prevent damage to equipment in the event of an unexpected power outage during a magnetic storm. You should also avoid using electronics outdoors during the peak of a powerful storm.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
