Red-level magnetic geomagnetic storm hits Earth again: How long it will last
Magnetic storm hit Earth (Collage by RBC-Ukraine)
A red-level geomagnetic storm began to affect Earth on the evening of October 15. It will be prolonged and quite powerful, which may cause some health issues.
What is known about the geomagnetic storm and how to support your body is shared by Meteoagent.
What is a geomagnetic storm
Regular explosions and flares on the Sun lead to the release of a large amount of solar energy into space, composed of charged particles (protons and electrons). These particles can move rapidly through space, including towards Earth.
When they reach Earth's magnetosphere, they cause activity known as solar or geomagnetic storms.
Storms vary in strength and are assigned a K-index. The higher the K-index, the stronger the geomagnetic storm. A K-index of 4 represents weak to moderate storms.
Any storm above a K-index of 5 is considered a red-level storm, which can affect human well-being. These storms can cause health issues for many people globally and may disrupt satellite operations, radio frequencies, and communication systems.
During storms with a K-index of 8 or higher, auroras similar to those seen by Earth’s residents last week can occur.
What is known about the geomagnetic storm
According to satellite systems NOAA, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide, the break between geomagnetic storms was brief, and after the prolonged solar storm last week, a new red-level storm has affected Earth.
Experts reported that this storm began to intensify on Tuesday evening, October 15, and will last three days, until Friday, October 17.
On October 15, a K-index 6 storm is expected. On Wednesday and Thursday, the geomagnetic storm will slightly weaken to a K-index 5. By Friday, a moderate increase is anticipated, reaching K-index 4.
The magnetosphere is expected to return to a stable state on Saturday, October 18.
It is important to note that specialists can only provide preliminary forecasts, which may change depending on solar activity.
Geomagnetic storm October 15-17 (screenshot)
How a geomagnetic storm affects the human body
Many studies around the world have investigated the connection between geomagnetic storms and human well-being, and some of them confirm this relationship. Specifically, during geomagnetic storms, people often report health issues and seek medical attention.
Research shows that magnetic fields can affect bioelectrical processes in the body, leading to sleep disturbances, decreased productivity, increased anxiety, and irritability.
Common complaints:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased work performance
- Weakness
- Quick fatigue
- Sleep problems (both at night and during the day)
- Foggy mind
- Depression
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Increased anxiety
- Heart rate irregularities
- Blood pressure fluctuations
- Apathy
- Nausea
- Muscle and joint pain
What can help your body during a geomagnetic storm
Doctors offer general recommendations during geomagnetic storms: get enough sleep, eat properly, and rest more.
Additionally, the following can help alleviate your condition:
- Sleep 7-9 hours, go to bed, and wake up at the same time each day.
- Proper nutrition: light food rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Limit consumption of spicy, fatty, and unhealthy foods, coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and cigarettes.
- Drink enough water to maintain your hydration balance.
- Take walks in fresh air for at least 30 minutes to oxygenate your body.
- Engage in light physical exercises, swimming.
- Ventilate your living space in the morning and evening.
- A contrast shower in the morning, and a bath in the evening, can help.
- Drink herbal teas, such as mint, lemon balm, or chamomile.
- Avoid stressful situations, and reduce stress and arguments.
If you feel unwell, consult a doctor for the necessary advice.
Earlier, we wrote about a simple 2-minute exercise that can relieve stress and improve sleep.
We also discussed the reasons why headaches may occur in the morning.
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.
