A geomagnetic storm is a sudden disturbance of the Earth's geomagnetic field, which can last from several hours to several days. It arises as a result of the interaction of solar wind flows and the planet's magnetosphere. A magnetic storm (geomagnetic) is the most important component of the physics of the interaction between the Earth and the Sun and is called "space weather". The indices Dst and Kp are used to describe the storm and its power. Most often, such field disturbances are observed in the middle and low latitudes of the Earth.
Starting a Storm
The sun is a huge vat filled with seething atoms. The farther the light from our planet, the stronger it is able to influence it with the power of its wind. If the flow speed is about 300 km/s, then everything is in order on Earth, there is a geomagnetic calm.
Spots called flares occur periodically on the Sun. Their magnetic field is much stronger than the earth's. Their power can be compared with the simultaneous eruption of 10 million volcanoes or with the strongest explosion of 200-250 hydrogenbombs. As a result of such flashes, a large number of protons and electrons are ejected into space. The earth, being a strong magnet, attracts them to itself, violates its own field, and it begins to change its properties. It follows from this that a geomagnetic storm is a sharp change in the magnetic constancy of our planet as a result of the high activity of the Sun.
The connection between man and the storm
It has been proven that a number of external natural factors affect the general well-being of a person. One of the first places among them is a geomagnetic storm. It has a strong effect on a person, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system. It has been noticed that on such days people get tired faster, abnormal heart function is observed: arrhythmia, tachycardia. According to statistics on cases of myocardial infarction in the Moscow region, over the past 3 years, 13% of cases occurred precisely during periods of geomagnetic instability. After the study, scientists proposed to equip the ambulance teams with devices showing changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
In addition, it has been proven that during geomagnetic storms the number of car accidents increases, as well as the number of suicides increases by 4-5 times compared to favorable days. About 60% of the world's population is susceptible not only to changes in the magnetic field, but also to solar flares themselves. It is impossible to hide from the adverse effects, but there are places in which a person is the strongestimpact:
- On the plane. At an altitude of 10,000 m, a person is not protected by an air layer, as on Earth. Plane crashes happen more often on turbulent days.
- In the North. Residents of cities located north of the 60th parallel, more often than others, are exposed to space weather.
In underground tunnels and subways. Low-frequency electromagnetic fields are observed here, which are much more dangerous than natural flashes and storms. Their highest concentration was recorded in the driver's cab, at the edge of the platform and in the cars. That is why almost all underground transport drivers are diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and passengers have frequent cases of heart attacks
Impact on devices and computers
Geomagnetic storm is an enemy not only for human he alth, but also for various areas of its activity. Communication is broken, the navigation systems of aircraft, sea and space ships are turned off, free charges appear on the surface of transformers and pipelines. Power systems can also fail. Therefore, it is very important to predict the days of instability of the geomagnetic field in advance.
How to help yourself during flashes and changes in the magnetic field?
A 20-minute contrast shower will help tone the entire vascular system, heart, invigorate the body and spirit. Doctors recommend these days to adhere to proper nutrition: eat vegetables, fish, legumes, drink more liquid in the form of mineral water with lemon. Do not expose yourself to increased physicalloads. It is strictly forbidden to smoke and consume alcoholic products. You should try not to be nervous, to avoid conflict situations. People suffering from low or high blood pressure should always carry the necessary medicines with them.
Carrington Event
The geomagnetic storm of 1859 was named after the British astronomer Richard Carrington. The day before, he had observed solar flares. Carrington recorded one of the strongest and concluded that there will soon be a geomagnetic storm on Earth.
It really turned out to be a powerful solar storm that covered almost all countries. In early September, the northern lights were observed around the world, even over the Caribbean Sea. Telegraph workers suffered greatly from the magnetic hurricane. America and Europe lost their telegraph communication. Some appliances continued to work despite being turned off.
The face of the modern apocalypse
If such force majeure happened today, it could be safely called the end of the world. Humanity would be left without television, all means of communication: telephone, Internet. The only thing that would continue its work is the secret military developments that are protected from the effects of radiation.
A moderate geomagnetic storm occurs almost constantly on Earth. At the south and north poles, regular northern lights are observed, which are visible even to astronauts. Moderate fluctuations do not cause a sharp deteriorationhe alth in people. Humanity is already accustomed to such changes in the earth's magnetic field.
