Sun is getting restless: Will magnetic storms hit Earth this weekend?
Earth’s geomagnetic activity depends on processes occurring on the Sun (photo: magnific.com)
A high-speed stream of solar wind from a coronal hole in the northern part of the Sun could reach Earth by the end of August 14. As a result, geomagnetic activity could increase to G1 levels.
RBC-Ukraine explains what is known about the geomagnetic situation on August 15-16 and whether weather-sensitive people should expect a restless weekend.
What is happening on the Sun
The possible disturbance is attributed to a coronal hole in the northern part of the Sun. A stream of solar wind — charged particles — is moving from it into space.
Its effects are expected to become noticeable on Earth as early as the end of August 14. If the stream is fast and dense enough, our planet’s magnetic field could respond with increased geomagnetic activity.
That is why the forecast for the weekend should not yet be considered final.
Will there be a geomagnetic storm on August 15?
Increased geomagnetic activity is still possible on August 15. Its strength will depend on the parameters of the solar wind when it reaches Earth.
Preliminary forecasts suggest the possibility of a weak G1 storm. This is the lowest category on the five-level geomagnetic storm scale.
In other words, the word “storm” here does not mean a powerful space storm. G1 is a weak geomagnetic disturbance.
What will happen on August 16?
The forecast for August 16 is less certain. The strength and duration of the disturbance will depend on the actual parameters of the solar wind after it reaches Earth.
Therefore, it is too early to say that the entire weekend will definitely be affected by a geomagnetic storm.
There are also other current forecasts showing calmer conditions on August 15-16. One of them, in particular, estimates geomagnetic activity at Kp 2 on those days. This once again shows how quickly space weather forecasts can change.
What does the G1 level mean?
G1 is the weakest level of geomagnetic storm.
Geomagnetic disturbances can affect radio communications, satellite systems, and other technologies that depend on space weather. At the G1 level, minor disruptions to some systems are possible, as well as auroras at high latitudes.
For most people, such an event does not pose a dangerous situation.
What should weather-sensitive people do?
It is important not to exaggerate the situation. There is no reason to claim that a weak geomagnetic storm will necessarily cause headaches, fatigue or blood pressure fluctuations in a particular person.
Such symptoms are often associated with geomagnetic storms, but they can also have many other causes. Therefore, any deterioration in well-being should not automatically be attributed to geomagnetic activity.
If someone feels unwell, they should primarily pay attention to how they feel rather than to the geomagnetic storm forecast.
So, will there be a storm on August 15 and 16?
Some increase in geomagnetic activity at the beginning of the weekend is possible.
The main factor is the high-speed solar wind stream expected after August 14. A weak G1 storm is currently possible, but its actual strength will become clearer once the stream reaches Earth.
So for now, the most accurate answer is: August 15 could be more active, while the forecast for August 16 may still change.
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.
