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 an essential component of the physics of the interaction of the Earth and the Sun and is called "space weather." To describe the storm and its power, the indices Dst and Kp are used. Most often, such disturbances of the fields are observed in the middle and low latitudes of the Earth.
The origin of the storm
The sun is a huge vat filled with seething atoms. The farther the sun shines from our planet, the stronger it is able to influence it with the power of its wind. If the flow velocity is approximately 300 km / s, then on Earth everything is in order, a geomagnetic calm is observed.
Periodically, spots appear on the sun, called flares. Their magnetic field is much stronger than earth. Their power can be compared with the simultaneous eruption of 10 million volcanoes or with a powerful explosion of 200-250 hydrogen bombs. As a result of such flares, a large number of protons and electrons are released 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 is proved 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 is noticed that on such days people get tired faster, there is an abnormal heart function: 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 crews with instruments showing changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
In addition, it was proved that during geomagnetic storms the number of car accidents increases, and the number of suicides increases by 4-5 times compared with favorable days. About 60% of the total world population is susceptible not only to changes in the magnetic field, but also to the flares on the sun themselves. It is impossible to hide from adverse effects, but there are places in which the person is most affected:
- In plane. At an altitude of 10, 000 m, a person is not protected by the 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 are most often 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 greatest concentration was recorded in the driver's cab, at the edge of the platform and in the cars. That is why practically all drivers of underground transport are diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and passengers have frequent heart attacks.
Impact on devices and computers
A geomagnetic storm is an enemy not only for human health, but also for various fields of its activity. Communication is broken, the navigation systems of airplanes, sea and space ships are disconnected, free charges appear on the surface of transformers and pipelines. Failure in energy systems may also occur. Therefore, it is very important to predict in advance the days of instability of the geomagnetic field.
How to help yourself during flashes and changes in the magnetic field?
Toning the entire vascular system, heart, invigorate the body and spirit will help a 20-minute contrast shower. 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 physical exertion. It is strictly forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol. You should try not to be nervous, avoid conflict situations. People suffering from low or high blood pressure should always carry the necessary medications with them.
Carrington Event
The geomagnetic storm of 1859 received this name in honor of the British astronomer Richard Carrington. On the eve of he watched the flashes in the sun. Carrington recorded one of the strongest and concluded that there would 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 were hit hard by the magnetic storm. America and Europe lost telegraph communications. Some devices continued to work, despite the fact that they were de-energized.
