Powerful magnetic storm to hit Earth: When it will start, how to protect yourself

What is known about the geomagnetic storm

A strong red-level geomagnetic storm will hit Earth on Friday, May 9. It will reach the red level with a K-index of 5. People who are sensitive to weather changes will begin to feel its effects as early as Thursday evening, May 8. Such a storm can cause headaches, deterioration in well-being, and a feeling of fatigue.

Additionally, red-level geomagnetic storms can affect radio and mobile communications, satellites, and GPS systems.

The storm will gradually subside on Saturday, May 10. The effects of geomagnetic activity will be felt in the first half of the day, and by the afternoon, everything will stabilize.

All scientific predictions are preliminary, as solar activity can change rapidly. It is necessary to stay updated on the latest warnings and alerts.

What is a geomagnetic storm

The Sun regularly experiences various explosions and flares, which lead to the release of a large amount of solar energy into space, consisting of tiny charged particles. These particles can travel quickly through space. When they reach Earth's magnetosphere, a disturbance occurs, which scientists refer to as geomagnetic storms.

There are different types of storms, ranging from very weak to powerful ones. People on Earth generally do not feel weak storms, but any storms with a K-index above 5 can cause a deterioration in well-being.

How geomagnetic storms affect a person

Geomagnetic activity has various effects on individuals, and the manifestations can be quite personal. However, there is a list of symptoms that people report most frequently:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Increased or decreased blood pressure
• General weakness
• Sleepiness
• Sleep disturbances
• Quick fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating and working
• Irritability
• Apathy
• Heightened emotional sensitivity
• Strong reactions to different situations
• Aggression
• Bood swings
• Exacerbation of chronic illnesses
• Poor concentration

Some people are more sensitive to geomagnetic activity, such as those who are weather-sensitive, the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, especially those related to the cardiovascular system (e.g., pressure spikes, arrhythmia).

How to protect yourself from the effects of a geomagnetic storm

Doctors provide general, simple, but effective recommendations for these days:

• Full sleep (at least 7-9 hours, go to bed no later than 11:00 p.m.)
• A balanced diet and regular meal schedule
• Drink enough water
• Avoid excessive coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and unhealthy (fatty, spicy, salty) foods
• Avoid stress, conflicts, arguments, relationship clarifications, and excessive emotions
• Avoid physical and psychological strain
• Try to rest more
• Physical activity should be moderate
• Take walks outdoors and ventilate rooms
• Reduce screen time and gadget use in the evening
• Monitor blood pressure and overall health, especially for those with chronic illnesses

If you feel unwell, it's important to seek medical help.

You may also be interested in:

• Doctors named the reasons why people often have headaches in the morning.
• The mistake people make when drinking water.

Sources used in the article: NOAA, NASA, Space Weather Prediction Center.

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.