Rare double explosion on the Sun: a magnetic storm and northern lights are expected on Earth
15 April 2025 15:23
The US Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a warning about a geomagnetic storm expected on April 16. It will be caused by two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on the Sun, which will reach the Earth almost simultaneously, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the Meteorological Service, CMEs were formed as a result of a double explosion of solar magnetic filaments on April 12-13.
Therefore, a geomagnetic storm of class G2 (moderate intensity) is predicted to hit the Earth,
“These solar storms move slowly, but their density can have a significant impact on the Earth’s magnetosphere,”
– said space weather physicist Tamita Skov.
According to NOAA’s forecast, geomagnetic activity will intensify late in the evening on April 15 or in the morning on April 16, peak during the day and gradually weaken. Experts note that it is difficult to predict the exact time of the CME’s arrival, so they recommend following official reports.
What is a magnetic storm?
A magnetic storm is a reaction of the Earth’s magnetic field to solar emissions. They can cause disruptions in navigation and communication, as well as affect human health. Depending on the strength, storms are classified on a scale from G1 to G5.
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How magnetic storms affect humans
According to many studies, magnetic storms can affect people’s lives. The most common manifestations are deterioration of health with the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Decreased ability to work
- Deterioration of concentration and attention
- Irritation
- Mood swings
- Apathy
- Aggression
- Drowsiness during the day
- Insomnia at night
How to reduce the impact of a magnetic storm
On days of magnetic storms, you should be more attentive to your health and daily routine. Do not overload yourself with work, as well as physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
- Avoid excessive stress on the body
- Take care of your water balance – drink enough water
- Eat well and do not skip meals
- Avoid unhealthy (salty, spicy) foods and alcohol
- Reduce the amount of caffeine and energy drinks
- Get enough rest and go to bed no later than 23:00
- Be sure to breathe fresh air – take a walk
- Ventilate the room
- Do quiet activities in the evening and limit the use of gadgets
- People with chronic illnesses should keep the necessary medications with them
If you feel unwell, consult a doctor for help.
Northern lights as a bonus
According to scientists, the current magnetic storm may also cause the Northern Lights to appear, and not only in the polar regions. Unfortunately, it is not predicted in Ukraine, but residents of the northern states of the United States, including New York and Idaho, may be lucky enough to see the Aurora with their own eyes.
Scientists explain that the impact of the CME on the northern lights will depend on the orientation of the magnetic field inside the ejection and its interaction with the Earth’s magnetosphere.
What is the northern lights
The aurora borealis is a rapidly changing optical phenomenon of the glow of certain parts of the night sky in the polar regions. It occurs in the upper atmosphere (at altitudes of 60-100 km) under the influence of streams of charged particles that the Earth’s magnetic field directs to the poles. Charged particles collide with molecules or atoms of atmospheric gases, excite them and make them emit visible light. The predominant radiation is created by the forbidden lines of atomic oxygen and molecular nitrogen, which form the green-red gamut.
The aurora can be distinguished by its shape as a diffuse glow with arcs, rays, ribbons, coronas, and spots. It can last from several minutes to several days. The frequency of the aurora borealis correlates with the 11-year solar cycle, the time of year, and the 27-day period. In addition to the Earth, auroras have also been recorded on Jupiter and Saturn. Interestingly, in July 2023, scientists discovered a new type of aurora on Earth, which glows in the infrared and occurs at an altitude of about 90 km due to the interaction of charged particles with carbon dioxide molecules.
The aurora is usually observed at a distance of 20-35° from the Earth’s magnetic poles, but during magnetic storms it can occur at lower latitudes. Until now, it was believed that the aurora was observed at the latitudes of Ukraine once every few years, but this year magnetic storms have become more frequent, so today’s aurora is the fourth since the beginning of the year in Ukraine.
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