Ukraine is hit by a powerful magnetic storm: it will “storm” for several days
15 October 2024 23:47
Today, 15 October, a powerful magnetic storm hit the Earth. Experts classified it as a red level and warned that it would last for three days. This was reported by Meteoagent, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to NOAA, TESIS and international meteorological laboratories, the pause between magnetic storms was short.
After a prolonged geomagnetic storm last week, a new red-level storm hit the Earth.
Experts say that the storm will begin to intensify on the evening of Tuesday, 15 October, and will last for three days – until Friday, 17 October.
Thus, on 15 October, a storm with a K-index of 6 is expected, and on Wednesday and Thursday, the geostorm will weaken slightly to a K-index of 5.
On Friday, it is forecast to slightly strengthen to K-index 4.
Only on Saturday, 18 October, will the Earth’s magnetosphere return to a stable state.
Geomagnetic storms are classified according to their power level – the K-index – from 2 to 9. The higher the K-index, the stronger the storm and its consequences and impact on people and equipment.
It should be noted that the forecast is subject to change as solar researchers update their data every three hours.
According to the Meteoagent portal, magnetic storms on our planet have not subsided for more than a week. The current disturbances are labelled as strong, with the K-index exceeding 8. According to forecasts, the magnetic storm on Earth will last until 12 October.
For those who are dependent on weather changes, it is especially important to be careful these days and pay attention to how they feel.
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 may 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.
