Ukraine will be hit by a strong magnetic storm: how to protect yourself
27 July 2024 03:20
The magnetic storm that has been raging on the Earth for several days is intensifying. On Saturday, 27 July, geomagnetic flares will become even stronger. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Meteoagent.
According to NOAA, TESIS and international meteorological laboratories, a medium-intensity magnetic storm with a K-index of 4 hit the Earth on Thursday, 25 July.
Today, 26 July, it will remain at the level of medium intensity.
However, on Saturday, 27 July, the storm will intensify and reach K-index 5, which corresponds to a red-level magnetic storm.
This storm is forecast to be short-lived, and the situation will begin to improve on Sunday, 28 July.
Magnetic storms are classified by power, K-index and other parameters. The higher the K-index, the stronger the storm. Red-level magnetic storms can cause serious consequences, such as disruptions in satellite, GPRS, and radio communications, as well as deterioration in human health.
Do not exercise during powerful magnetic storms:
- Exercise intensively.
- Disrupt your daily routine and get little sleep.
- Drink a lot of alcohol and caffeine.
- Emotionally overload yourself, get stressed.
- Stay in the sun for a long time and eat irrationally.
Health hazards
Magnetic storms are natural phenomena associated with solar activity, and although they rarely pose a serious risk, it is important to understand their impact.
Magnetic storms do not pose a serious health risk to most people. However, some studies indicate that mild disorders such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, or poor health can occur during strong magnetic storms in meteorologically sensitive people.
To reduce the potential impact of magnetic storms, it is recommended to follow these tips
- avoid excessive outdoor exposure during the peak moments of the storm;
- limit physical activity;
- get plenty of rest;
- drink plenty of fluids;
- avoid stressful situations.
People with serious chronic illnesses should consult a doctor about additional precautions during strong magnetic storms.
Magnetic storms
Magnetic storms are temporary disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections or solar flares. They occur when powerful emissions of charged particles (plasma) from the Sun interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere. These solar plasma streams can change the shape and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, causing disturbances and magnetic storms.
Magnetic storms are classified according to their intensity – from G1 (weakest) to G5 (strongest). Severe magnetic storms (G3 and above) can cause problems in power grids, communication systems, satellite operations and even aviation. Space agencies such as NOAA and NASA monitor solar activity and forecast potential magnetic storms, which allows them to take precautionary measures.
During magnetic storms, solar plasma particles interact with the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in the formation of bright northern lights at high latitudes.
