Magnetic storms in February 2025: forecast and when they will end

For the inhabitants of the Earth magnetic storms have long become a familiar phenomenon of nature, which occurs with varying intensity and regularity. According to astronomers, on the surface of the Sun on February 6, there was a second powerful flare in the last month, and today it will reach the magnetic field of the Earth. It is believed that solar flares can affect people with immune disorders, chronic cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the nervous system, although there is no authoritative medical research on this topic. Details about magnetic storms in February - in the material "Izvestia".

Forecast of magnetic storms on February 7-9

According to the preliminary forecast of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy IKI and ISSP RAS, the coming weekend will be relatively calm for Russians. However, the highest probability of powerful geomagnetic activity is expected on Friday, February 7. At the same time, the magnetic activity classification index will be within the normal range.

Long-term forecasts of magnetic storms can be inaccurate, so it is recommended to monitor updates regularly, especially when detecting increased sensitivity to geomagnetic conditions.

Solar flares on February 6

A powerful M7.7 class flare was recorded on the Sun on February 6, 2025, one of the most significant flares in the current period of solar activity.

Solar flares are categorized by the intensity of radiation in the X-ray range and are divided into five main classes: A, B, C, M, and X. Each successive class denotes flares ten times more powerful than the previous one. Class M flares are considered strong and can cause moderate geomagnetic storms on Earth, affecting radio communications and navigation systems.

The M7.7 flare that occurred on Feb. 6 did not reach the highest Class X, but was one of the most powerful in recent memory. Scientists note that although the number of M-class flares has decreased, this may indicate that energy is being stored for a larger event in the future.

Earth is now approaching the peak of the 11-year solar activity cycle, which is expected in July 2025. During this period, particularly powerful solar flares are possible, which can have a significant impact on the operation of satellites, power grids and communication systems. Scientists warn of the need to prepare for the possible consequences of such events.

Earlier, on February 4, it became known that the Sun recorded more than 40 flares, a third of which belongs to class M. Thus, geomagnetic activity in February 2025 demonstrates quite high indicators. The previous solar flare was reported by the Fedorov Institute of Applied Geophysics on January 21. The powerful flare lasted 48 minutes and had a category M3.3.

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Peak activity is expected on the Sun has already begun

How magnetic storms occur

Magnetic storms arise due to the interaction of streams of charged particles ejected by the Sun with the Earth's magnetic field. They are mainly caused by coronal mass ejections and solar flares, during which large amounts of plasma and energy-rich particles are ejected into space.

When this stream reaches the Earth, it collides with its magnetosphere, the planet's natural protective shield. If the solar wind is powerful enough, it deforms the magnetic field, causing oscillations and disturbances. This process results in magnetic storms on Earth.

In 1999, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration developed the G-index to indicate the strength of magnetic storms.

G-1 storms occur more frequently than others and cause only minor errors in satellite systems. Moderate G-2 storms can cause power surges and transformer damage, as well as interference with radio communications. G-3 storms are accompanied by disturbances in satellite navigation, and the intensity of G-4 magnetic storms can generate electric currents in metal objects and wires. Extreme magnetic storms of G-5 intensity are the least frequent and are capable of disrupting the operation of satellites and power grids.

Impact of magnetic storms on humans

Doctors agree that magnetic storms can affect people with cardiovascular disease who are prone to high or low blood pressure.

As a rule, healthy people do not feel the impact of magnetic storms on the body. However, with disorders of the vegetative system, susceptibility to meteorological changes increases. People with liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy and arthritis can also feel a malaise from the magnetic activity of the Sun. About this in a conversation with "Izvestia" told the expert doctor of the Laboratory "Hemotest" Ekaterina Demyanovskaya.

"The fact is that the fluctuation of the electromagnetic field of the earth triggers small rearrangements in the body - can slightly increase blood viscosity, change the tone of capillary walls. All this affects the blood flow and, consequently, the well-being. Specific symptoms often depend on a person's chronic diseases, but mostly people complain of heart palpitations (they occur due to changes in the tone of the vagus nerve), dizziness and headache (this often occurs due to changes in blood pressure), aching pain in the joints, "- explained the expert.

During the period of geomagnetic activity it is necessary to control blood pressure and pulse. You should avoid excessive physical activity and minimize the use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.