A strong magnetic storm, heading towards its maximum intensity, began on Earth today, November 12. According to scientists, the geomagnetic situation now looks "unexplainably different" from what was predicted. More than 15 solar flares had previously occurred, and on November 10, a so-called "cannibal flare" of the highest magnitude was recorded. The emissions were expected to cause G3-G4 storms, but the storm has already reached G4.66.
How people will be affected
A magnetic storm of almost maximum intensity has begun on Earth, reported the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "A very strong planetary-scale magnetic storm, almost reaching the highest level G5, is currently being recorded by geomagnetic monitoring equipment due to the arrival of the first of three plasma clouds towards Earth," the statement read. "The current level of the event is G4.66 and is only one-third away from the highest."
According to the scientists, the geomagnetic situation currently appears "unexplainably different from the forecast." Only the first of the three plasma ejections, the weakest one, was expected to reach Earth on the night of November 12, causing magnetic storms of G3-G4 levels. The peak of the impact, the laboratory added, was expected to coincide with the third ejection and is still predicted for noon.
The explanation
"The only explanation is that the latest moving plasma cloud from yesterday's strongest flare of the year, X5.1, due to its measured record speeds, has already caught up with the slower plasma clouds spreading ahead and is now pressing and compressing them, sharply increasing their temperature, density, and magnetic properties," the scientists clarified.
At the same time, as the laboratory emphasized, it can be concluded that the main emission from the X5.1 flare has not yet reached the planet, as the plasma speed remains within "reasonable" limits. On November 10, 15 solar flares occurred simultaneously, including a top-category "cannibal flare" X. The largest solar flare of the year was recorded on November 11. "A solar flare of magnitude X5.16 was recorded. It peaked at 1:04 p.m. Moscow time. In terms of radiation flux, the event is 3-5 times larger than all flares this year. In terms of energy, it is estimated to be 10-20 times greater," reported the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Why are magnetic storms dangerous?
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, magnetic storms affect various sensitive electronic devices, such as navigation systems. Storms can also cause the formation of external electrical charges on the surfaces of conductors and transformers, which in turn can disrupt their operation.
Regarding the effects on humans, scientists have not reached a definitive conclusion. Research shows that the number of deaths from myocardial infarction and stroke increases during this period. However, the increase is insignificant, reaching about 20%, and these are purely statistical data.
According to Alexey Struminsky, a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, conducting a study on the effects of magnetic storms on human health and well-being requires clear, measurable criteria. "A headache or tachycardia is not a criterion. Such symptoms can be caused by a number of other factors, such as changing weather or atmospheric pressure. A magnetic storm does not affect atmospheric pressure," the scientist noted.
Weather conditions
However, other experts believe the opposite. As noted by Igor Bobrovnitsky, a Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor. Solar flares affect weather-sensitive individuals and those with weakened body systems. They may experience increased blood pressure, decreased performance, headaches, increased anxiety, and the worsening of chronic conditions, including allergies.
Recently, scientists from four institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences also discovered that geomagnetic pulses affect human heart rate. "The human heart rate adapts to the rhythm of fluctuations in the geomagnetic field in situations where the magnetosphere 'breathes' rhythmically and consistently across the Earth. When geomagnetic fluctuations are out of sync, as happens during magnetic storms, the body perceives this state as stress and, if its adaptive reserves are low, reacts with an abrupt change in condition, even worsening existing diseases," the study states.
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