Magnetic storm continues: Health impacts and forecast
Powerful magnetic storm (RBC-Ukraine collage)
A powerful magnetic storm of the highest red level that engulfed the planet in recent days and caused northern lights in Ukraine is still ongoing. According to experts' forecasts, it will continue for several more days.
Meteoagent explained the influence of this storm and when it will end.
What is a magnetic storm?
The Sun regularly experiences various explosions and flares, resulting in the ejection of a large amount of solar energy into space. This energy consists of charged particles (protons and electrons) that have the property of spreading rapidly, including towards Earth.
When these particles reach Earth's magnetosphere triggers activity that scientists call magnetic or solar storms.
All geomagnetic storms are classified according to indices, where K-index 1 is the weakest storm, and K-index 9 is the most powerful red-level magnetic storm. During red-level storms, there may be communication issues with towers, satellites, radio frequencies, and GPRS.
Additionally, all storms above K-index 5 can cause temporary health issues in humans and lead to headaches.
What is known about the most powerful storm in May
According to satellite systems NOAA, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide, on May 8 and 9, three powerful solar flares occurred simultaneously on the Sun, merging into one and causing an eruption that scientists call cannibalistic.
This resulted in a prolonged and very powerful magnetic storm on Earth, which began on May 10 and reached red-level K-index 9.
The storm with these parameters lasted on May 10, 11, 12, and continued into Monday, May 13.
However, by May 14, the storm will finally subside, and a storm with K-index 5 is forecasted for Tuesday. This is also a red-level storm.
Minor magnetic fluctuations with a K-index of 4 are expected on Wednesday, May 15. The magnetosphere will calm down only on Thursday, May 16.
How does a magnetic storm affect humans?
Scientists worldwide have studied the relationship between magnetic storms and human life. Some confirm magnetic storms' impact on human well-being and mood. On such days, people often complain of health deterioration and headaches and seek medical attention, including cardiologists.
Most common complaints include:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness and nighttime insomnia
- Brain fog
- Concentration issues
- Dizziness
- Quick fatigue
- Mood swings, irritability, aggression
- Cardiovascular problems, blood pressure spikes
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases
How to alleviate symptoms during a magnetic storm
Doctors usually provide general recommendations and advise maintaining a normal daily schedule, reducing workload, getting more rest, and breathing fresh air.
Specifically:
- Eat regularly and balanced meals
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep per day
- Drink enough water
- Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, spicy and unhealthy food
- Breathe fresh air - in parks, outdoors, out of town
- Ventilate indoor spaces
- Reduce physical exertion
- Avoid unnecessary stress and reduce emotional strain
- Seek medical help if needed
We also wrote about why you might wake up with a headache.
