Geomagnetic storm warning for New Year: How to protect yourself
A powerful magnetic storm will hit the Earth on December 31 (photo: freepik.com)
The year 2025 will begin with festive tables, Christmas tree lights, and cosmic disturbances. A powerful geomagnetic storm is expected on December 31 and January 1, which may affect the well-being of many people.
Find more about the geomagnetic storm on the last day of the year and how to protect your body in the material below.
When to expect the geomagnetic storm
According to experts, significant geomagnetic activity is expected on December 31 and January 1, caused by a series of solar flares of classes X and M. Scientists predict that our planet will be engulfed by a geomagnetic storm of levels G2-G3 (K-index 6-7), which is a red-level storm of high intensity.
Geomagnetic storms of such power can impact human health, causing headaches, weakness, drowsiness, and other symptoms of health deterioration.
Additionally, red-level storms may cause disruptions in communication systems, including satellites, GPRS, mobile networks, and radio communications.
It is worth noting that all scientific forecasts are preliminary, as solar activity is variable, and the situation can change multiple times a day. Powerful daily solar flares can lead to either a decrease in activity or the emergence of prolonged geomagnetic storms.
Magnetic storm on December 31 (screenshot)
The cause of geomagnetic storms
Solar flares occur daily, ranging from moderate to strong. During such flares, large amounts of charged particles (protons and electrons) are ejected into space and can travel rapidly through the cosmos.
When these particles reach Earth's atmosphere, they interact with the planet's magnetic field. This interaction causes disturbances known as geomagnetic storms.
Effects of geomagnetic storms on humans
Mild and moderate geomagnetic storms are often imperceptible to most people, except those more sensitive to weather changes and magnetic fluctuations. Most people on Earth feel strong geomagnetic storms (with a K-index of 5 and above).
Such storms can affect human well-being, causing health deterioration, mood suppression, and drowsiness.
Most common symptoms:
- Headache
- Migraine
- Mental fog
- Nausea
- Reduced productivity and concentration
- Fatigue
- Daytime drowsiness, weakness
- Aggressiveness, irritability, anxiety
- Mood swings
- Apathy, depression
- Muscle pain
- Cardiovascular issues
In recent years, scientists have conducted numerous studies on the impact of geomagnetic storms on human health, with some confirming this relationship. During geomagnetic storms, people are more likely to report feeling unwell and seek medical help.
For example, one study shows that geomagnetic storms can affect bioelectrical processes in the human body, causing sleep disturbances, reduced productivity and concentration, and increased anxiety and irritability.
How to prepare
- Monitor your health: try to rest more, avoid stress, and maintain a proper sleep routine.
- Drink more water and consume light meals to reduce strain on your body.
- People with chronic illnesses should keep essential medications on hand.
- Limit gadget use and spend more time in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Doctors also recommend avoiding excessive coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and unhealthy food.
- Get fresh air, ventilate your home, and take walks.
Sources: NOAA, Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Solar Astronomy Laboratory’s Space Forecast (NASA), Meteoagent.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
