Как часто мы слышим от родных и знакомых, что у their head hurts because of magnetic storms. Of course, it is possible that they exaggerate, and the reasons for the deterioration of their well-being lie in something else. But many are absolutely right: a person is constantly under the influence of the activity of the Sun, which can affect the state of health. It's about why this happens, we'll try to tell.
Outbreaks on the Sun
The sun can be compared to a huge thermonuclearboiler. There are processes of incredible power here and explosions periodically occur, which increase the activity of solar radiation. Explosions are called solar flares, and the further development of the process is "solar storms".
For a long time scientists believed that the Sun emitsonly visible and invisible light. But then it was found that in the radiation there are particles carrying electric charges. Such particles all the time evaporate from the atmosphere of the Sun, being, as it were, an extension of the solar corona. At moments of increased activity, wave solar radiation also increases. At these moments, powerful electronic and proton fluxes, as well as helium nuclei, are emitted into the interplanetary space from the solar atmosphere. Streams have tremendous energy and speed. They fill the entire space of the solar system and are called the solar wind. Sometimes people replace the generally accepted name "solar wind" with a more sonorous one - "solar storms". It turns out that outbreaks on the distant Sun influence on any point of our planetary system, including the Earth.
Geomagnetic response
The Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from the currentssolar wind. But solar storms press on the magnetosphere, as a result of which it contracts. This greatly increases the intensity of the magnetic field, which leads to a change in its properties. The response of the Earth to an increase in the activity of the Sun, that is, a flash, is geomagnetic storms. These processes are considered in the framework of studying the physics of the interactions of the Earth and the Sun. Scientists have even introduced a special term "space weather". And the power of the storms is described by the indices Dst and Kp. Under the greatest influence of the disturbance of magnetic fields are the middle and low latitudes of the Earth. Nearer to the equator, the effect of geomagnetic storms becomes less.
What is the time interval from flash to geomagnetic storm?
Solar storms consisting of streamshigh-speed particles, to the Earth's orbit reach 12-24 hours. Magnetic oscillations can last from several hours to several days. The whole process is called a world magnetic storm. Conditionally, the geomagnetic disturbance is divided into several phases:
- The initial phase. The period of greatest influence on a person when the pressure of the magnetic field is increased. The length of the phase is about 4-6 hours, then the field returns to normal.
- The main phase. After the end of the initial phase, geomagnetic storms enter the period of the planet's magnetic field lowering. The duration of the phase is from 10 to 15 hours (sometimes more).
- Recovery phase. During this period, the magnetic shell restores the natural value. It may take several hours.
Can I make a prediction
Scientists have long understood that when studying solar storms,the forecast is not very difficult. Observation of the Sun is now available not only from ground-based observatories, but also from extraterrestrial sites. It can be, for example, astronomical satellites. Thus, observation of solar flares and coronal mass ejections became much more accurate. At the same time, many scientists believe that solar flares and coronary discharges are different processes. And, when predicting unfavorable days for the Earth's magnetic field, it is necessary to focus on coronary emissions.
Effects on humans
Forced vibration of the Earth's geomagnetic fieldhas an adverse effect on the health of a person. And it hits the most vulnerable points. One of the first to draw attention to the relationship between solar activity and exacerbation (occurrence) of diseases Soviet biophysical scientist LA Chizhevsky. It was he who initiated the study of the influence of magnetic storms on the physical and psycho-emotional state of a person.
It is now established that on unfavorable days in theFirst of all, the heart and blood vessels suffer. Appears arrhythmia and tachycardia. Often there are jumps in blood pressure, the manifestations of the heart attacks intensify. Many are exacerbated by chronic processes. Migraines and depressive states become more frequent. The most unpleasant thing is that it is impossible to hide and secure yourself during this period. The processes that cause solar activity (magnetic storms) affect all corners of the Earth, although they affect with varying degrees of intensity: at the poles - as much as possible, at the equator - is minimal. But it is proved that there are points in which it is especially dangerous to be in the period of magnetic storms.
Dangerous places
The strongest impact on a person's well-being during geomagnetic disturbances is felt in the following cases:
- If a person makes an air flight. At height, the protection of the air layer is weaker. In addition, because of the difficulty of concentrating and dispelling attention during this period, there are often air crashes.
- Space weather has a greater impact on the health of the inhabitants of the northern regions, especially in settlements beyond the 60th parallel.
- Increase the negative influence of magnetic disturbances low-frequency magnetic fields of tunnels and underground stations of the metro.
After reading the forecasts of space weather, a person can plan his schedule so as not to be in dangerous places during unfavorable periods.
help yourself
People quickly realize their vulnerability in the period of solar activity. To minimize the consequences, it is worth learning to follow several rules:
- Do not weaken the body with alcohol and nicotine on days of solar storms.
- Avoid heavy physical exertion.
- Keep on hand a supply of essential drugs. This is especially important for cores and hypertensive patients.
- Try not to overeat, use during periods of magnetic storms more fish, vegetables and cereals.
- Use infusion of sedative plants if prone to anxiety and insomnia. Take soothing baths with herbs and essential oils.
If these measures are not enough, then refer for recommendations to your doctor.
Under the influence of only a person?
Alas, but the changes in the geomagnetic field duringsolar storms are reacted not only by man, but also by electrical appliances and computer equipment. At these times, telephone communication deteriorates, navigation systems may malfunction, mobile phones, tablets and computers fail, and transformer malfunctions occur. In addition, there are disruptions in the operation of space satellites. Since all these events can affect the quality of life of a person, and in some cases even endanger it, the forecasting and studying of solar activity becomes especially urgent.
The strongest solar storm
В 1859 году на Солнце произошла супервспышка, which caused a strong solar storm. Observing and describing this phenomenon was studied by astronomer R. Carrington. Then, under the influence of a solar storm, large sections of telegraph networks went out of order. Subsequently, a number of studies were carried out and it was proved that as a result of the "Carrington events" (the so-called geomagnetic storm), the ozone layer around the Earth was damaged.
What awaits us in the near future
The closest one is the forecast of spaceweather for December 2016. The first solar storm in December will begin on the 3rd. She will be of medium strength and will be able to affect the emotional state or cause insomnia.
But 8.12 the Earth will experience the impact of a strong magnetic storm. This is a dangerous period for hypertensives and cores. In addition, it is worth to postpone flights.
End of December, too, will cause fluctuations in the magneticfield. The process will continue from the 26th to the 29th. This solar storm will be average, however, given the proximity of New Year's holidays, it can negatively affect tired and tipsy people.
