24.10.2017 25.10.2017 by Astronaut

Recently, we hear more and more often about magnetic storms, geomagnetic conditions, favorable and unfavorable days in terms of geomagnetic activity. Do we know the true nature of the origin of magnetic storms? Most probably not. Do we have any idea how strong or weak magnetic storms act on us? I doubt you know the answers to these questions. Let's look at this and find out what magnetic storms really are and how they affect a person.

The nature of geomagnetic storms

The earth has a magnetic field that protects it from radiation from the sun and deep space. This magnetic field is called a magnetic shield. The shield ensures the existence of the biosphere and life on Earth. Those planets that do not have a magnetic field are considered dead compared to Earth, although signs of life may be present there. From time to time, active phenomena occur on the Sun: mass ejections, flares, shock waves. These phenomena lead to the appearance of energy particles that scatter from the Sun in all directions, including in the direction of the Earth, and enter the magnetosphere. When the shock wave that occurs before the mass ejection collides with the magnetosphere, the Earth's magnetic field begins to disturb, vibrate, tremble. This process is called a magnetic storm.

According to modern concepts based on the study of interplanetary space using various instruments, magnetic storms occur as a result of the interaction of high-speed flows of magnetized solar plasma (protons and electrons) with the Earth's magnetosphere. Since the temperature of the upper layers of the Sun's atmosphere (corona) is about a million degrees, the hydrogen and helium atoms (its main components) acquire such tremendous speeds that they knock out electrons from each other during collisions and turn out to be literally "naked". Thanks to this so-called “collisional ionization”, only “bare” atomic nuclei - protons and electrons knocked out of atoms - remain in the Sun's corona. This mixture of particles is plasma. As a result of numerous collisions, some particles develop such high speeds that they manage to overcome the gravity of the Sun and escape forever into the surrounding space. There is a kind of "evaporation" of protons and electrons. These streams of plasma, originating in the sun's corona and moving under normal conditions at a speed of about 300 km / s, are called "solar wind". The solar wind was relatively recently discovered by spacecraft even at the very borders of the solar system.

When the plasma of the solar wind meets the Earth's magnetic field on its way (as you know, it resembles the field of a flat magnet), it, obeying the laws of physics, first compresses the magnetic field lines, and then begins to flow around the Earth, like a stream of water flows around a solid obstacle. On the side of the Earth facing the Sun, the flow boundary is established at a distance of 10-12 Earth radii (about 70 thousand km). On the night side, the magnetic field stretches out in the form of a trail, similar to the tail of a comet, up to distances of about 1000 Earth radii (about 6 million km). This entire area, which contains the magnetic field and near-Earth plasma, is called the Earth's magnetosphere.

While the regular solar wind “blows” at a speed of about 300 km / s, no disturbances occur in the Earth's magnetosphere, this is the so-called geomagnetic “calm”. But now a large group of sunspots appeared on the Sun, which is a highly magnetized substance emerging from the interior of the Sun (the magnetic field of the sunspots is thousands of times stronger than the magnetic field of the Earth). When spots with different magnetic polarities accidentally approach each other, something similar to a giant "short circuit" occurs with the release of a truly cosmic amount of energy. It is comparable to the eruption of 10 million volcanoes or the explosion of several dozen hydrogen bombs. Astronomers call this phenomenon a solar flare.

At this time, there is also an ejection of high-speed flows of charged particles - electrons and protons. When this disturbed solar wind, carrying a magnetic field, meets the Earth's magnetosphere on its way, at the point of contact, chaotic and sometimes very strong changes in the strength of the Earth's magnetic field begin to occur, which is the essence of a magnetic storm.

Since the speed of such a disturbed solar wind from flares ranges from 500 to 1000 km / s, a magnetic storm usually begins one or two days after a solar flare. This is how long it takes for the plasma to travel 150 million km from the Sun to the Earth.

Magnetic storms are planetary in nature and have a global impact on the Earth and near-Earth space. During a magnetic storm, the entire magnetic field of the Earth is disturbed. These disturbances lead to different phenomena. All layers of the earth's atmosphere, ionosphere, plasmasphere, magnetosphere are subject to changes. There are streams of energetic particles and currents.

The most powerful geomagnetic storms in history

The impact of magnetic storms on technical objects, sometimes catastrophic, is caused by an induction electric field that occurs during rapid

Figure: 1. Carrington's sketch of the September 1, 1859 solar flare

changes in the strength of the magnetic field on Earth. For the first time, noticeable effects of this kind were noted during a strong magnetic storm on September 1, 1859, which is deservedly associated with the name of the English astronomer Carrington, who studied sunspots. He projected pictures of spots from a telescope onto a screen and sketched them. Once in a group of spots, Carrington saw two bright white spots, which after a few minutes began to fade and go out (Fig. 1). We saw white spots before, but somehow they did not pay attention to them. And this time, a day after Carrington observed the chromospheric flare, a magnetic storm broke out, which, according to experts, was the most powerful over the past century and a half.

In those days, there were not so many electrical devices on Earth, but the destruction was noticeable: powerful currents disabled telegraph lines, a transformer at a power plant burned out ... Since then, the number of technical accidents correlating with cosmophysical indicators has grown significantly.

A magnetic storm on March 24, 1940, caused power outages in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Quebec, and Ontario. An overload of 2,600 volts has been reported on the Atlantic cable between Scotland and Newfoundland.

On March 13, 1989, a powerful storm allowed millions of people to admire the aurora not only in Alaska or Scandinavia, but also on the Mediterranean coast and in Japan. But the same "storm of the year" destroyed a transformer at a nuclear power plant in Salem (New Jersey, USA). She also blocked the operation of the high-voltage network in Quebec and left 6 million people without electricity for 9 hours. After the Salem accident, it became clear that even a small increase in DC current can damage the transformer designed to convert alternating current. This additive introduces it to the mode of operation with excessive magnetic saturation of the core, which leads to overheating of the windings and, ultimately, to the failure of the entire system.

The geomagnetic storm reached its maximum intensity on March 13, when the planetary Ap index reached 246, the third for the entire observation period since 1932: 272, and the Dst-index of geomagnetic activity (Disturbance Storm Time Index) between 1:00 and 2:00 universal time on March 14 reached a value of -589 nT (or even -640 nT according to other sources), a record since 1957.

In the USSR, during this geomagnetic storm, radio communication with points at high latitudes was disrupted, and the aurora was observed even in Simferopol

The impact is caused by the electromotive force induced by short-period variations in the geomagnetic field. The induced potential difference is small and is about several volts per kilometer (the maximum value was recorded in 1940 in Norway and was about 50 V / km), but in long conductors with low resistance - communication and power lines, pipelines, railways - full the strength of the induced currents can reach tens and hundreds of amperes. The greatest impact is experienced by electric lines stretching from east to west in the polar regions. The American Energy Reliability Council classified the magnetic storms of March 1989 and October 1991 in the same economic damage class as Hurricane Hugo and the San Francisco earthquake.

The importance of magnetic storms increases over the years, because the Earth's technosphere is expanding. Previously, mankind observed only auroras, the most powerful of which was recorded in 1859. The English astronomer Richard Carrington observed the most powerful flare in the history of observations on the Sun, with which auroras were associated almost throughout the entire territory of the Earth, including at the equator. In 1859, the Earth did not have such a vast technosphere, satellites, power lines, so these phenomena were not felt so clearly. But in 1989, when mankind had already launched satellites, developed extended power lines and pipelines, the magnetic storm became very significant and strongly affected the Quebec energy system.

The technosphere of the Earth is expanding. Almost all modern technologies - GPS, GLONASS and others - are satellite, and satellites are highly susceptible to solar activity. Electronics can be damaged by energetic particles. And the more we introduce satellite technologies and the longer we make power lines, the more tangible magnetic storms are for the Earth. The induction effect of a storm depends on the size of these systems.

This suggests that when developing, creating satellite systems and expanding the technosphere, factors that were not previously taken into account must be taken into account. On the other hand, it is necessary to observe the activity of the Sun and the associated geomagnetic disturbance on the Earth.

Another aspect of the influence of magnetic storms is related to the fact that during a magnetic storm the environment changes, the atmosphere heats up, and this can lead to a change in pressure in the Earth's atmosphere. These changes, according to physicians, can affect the health of people who have weakened adaptation. Statistics show that during magnetic storms, the number of ambulance calls due to deterioration in well-being in people with cardiovascular diseases increases by about 20%. At the same time, the very disturbances of the magnetic field that occur on Earth are negligible relative to the field itself. Most often they make up about 1 / 300-1 / 1000 of the field itself. But the effect is planetary. There are resonances in the human brain that coincide with the resonances of the ionosphere - about 10 Hz. The human heart also has resonances that coincide with the resonances of the magnetosphere - about 1 Hz. If the resonance regions of the ionosphere and magnetosphere are excited and the density of electromagnetic radiation in them increases, then this can affect the health of sick people. These relationships are now being actively investigated by physicians and biophysicists.

At the present stage, astronomers are studying the possibilities of predicting space weather and the entire set of phenomena that occur in the Sun-Earth system. To predict the weather, one must have information about the Sun, its active regions, their magnetic configuration and the possibility of flares and emissions. If the ejection has already occurred, then it flies to Earth from two to three days, depending on the speed. During this time, one can understand what kind of ejection it is, in which part of the Sun it occurred, and predict its effect. As a rule, the most geoeffective is the right side of the Sun.

The Earth's magnetic axis is tilted with respect to the axis of rotation. In many respects, the effect of magnetic storms depends on the power and speed of the mass ejection, as well as on the orientation of this axis in relation to the direction of the ejection at the moment the Earth collides with the plasma cloud. The magnetic axis is tilted to the axis of rotation by about 11 degrees. It can be facing the Sun or in the opposite direction from the Sun when the plasma cloud collides with the Earth's magnetosphere. Cosmic phenomena are not the same, mass ejections from the Sun occur by chance, they have different amplitudes and speeds. Therefore, space weather phenomena rarely coincide and are difficult to predict with high probability. Nevertheless, some predictions are quite feasible. They are now actively used in spacecraft launches and space flight control.

How magnetic storms affect human health.

Scientists have been dealing with magnetic storms for a long time. In particular, the effect of magnetic storms on the human body, and especially on patients with cardiovascular diseases, was identified by French doctors in 1915-1919. They found that during such storms, patients are covered by prolonged bouts of pain, lasting 2-3 days.

Almost half of his life was devoted to the study of this phenomenon by the great Russian scientist A.L. Chizhevsky. In 1931 he wrote the book Earth in the arms of the sun. It was the first to trace the influence of solar activity - "space weather" - on biological and social phenomena: changes in the number of animals, the emergence of epidemics and even the beginning of wars and revolutions.

During his life, a person experiences the influence of 2000-2500 magnetic storms - each with its own duration (1-4 days) and intensity. Magnetic storms do not have a clear schedule - they can "cover" day or night, in summer heat and in winter, and their influence affects absolutely everyone and everything. More than 50 percent of the world's inhabitants are affected by the effects of magnetic storms.

Magnetic storms are often accompanied by headaches, migraines, palpitations, insomnia, poor health, decreased vitality, and a sharp change in pressure. What's going on? During magnetic storms, a person's blood thickens (in a healthy person, this is less evident). Due to this thickening of the blood, oxygen metabolism worsens, and the brain and nerve endings are the first to react to the lack of oxygen. There is no one who would be free from the influence of the geomagnetic field. Men are more susceptible to magnetic storms than women. On magnetoactive days, the number of heart attacks increases by more than three, strokes by two, and angina attacks by one and a half times. Of all the diseases that are susceptible to magnetospheric storms, cardiovascular diseases were singled out, first of all, since their connection with solar and magnetic activity was the most obvious. Heart rate studies have shown that weak disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field did not increase the number of heart rhythm disturbances. But on days with moderate and strong geomagnetic storms, heart rhythm disturbances occur more often than in the absence of magnetic storms. This applies both to observations at rest and during physical exertion.

Observations of hypertensive patients showed that some of the patients reacted a day before the onset of the magnetic storm. Others felt a deterioration in their well-being at the beginning, middle, or at the end of a geomagnetic storm. Only on the second day after the storm did the patients' blood pressure stabilize. Studies have shown that the storm is most harmful for patients in its initial period. Analysis of numerous medical data also revealed the seasonal course of health deterioration during magnetic storms; it is characterized by the greatest deterioration in the spring equinox (March 23), when the number and severity of vascular accidents (in particular, myocardial infarctions) increase.

By monitoring ambulance calls, it was concluded that there are more (much) ambulance calls on magnetically active days than on magnetically quiet days.

How exactly do magnetic storms affect the human body?

• In accordance with solar activity, changes occur in the number of leukocytes: their concentration decreases with high solar activity and increases with low one.
• High magnetic activity "lengthens" the menstrual cycle, and the intensity of changes in the disturbance of the geomagnetic field directly affects the beginning and end of labor. It is an established fact that premature birth is often provoked by magnetic storms.
• The entire body is exposed to magnetic storms. And the more chronic diseases, the stronger the effect of storms.
• The risk of blood clots increases.
• The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation in the blood changes, blood clotting slows down.
• The "delivery" of oxygen to tissues and organs is disrupted, blood thickens.
• Migraines, headaches, joint pains, dizziness appear.
• The heart rate increases and the overall vitality decreases.
• Insomnia, pressure surges are noted.
• There is a progression of chronic diseases, especially concerning the nervous system.
• The number of myocardial infarctions and strokes is increasing.
• Increases the concentration of fibrinogen and the release of stress hormones.

Studies in different countries on a large amount of factual material have shown that the number of accidents and injuries in transport increases during solar and magnetic storms, which is explained by changes in the activity of the central nervous system. At the same time, lethargy, sluggishness appears, intelligence worsens, the likelihood of making wrong decisions increases.

Observations of the influence of magnetic storms on patients suffering from mental illness, in particular, manic-depressive syndrome, were carried out. It was found that at a high magnetic storm, manic phases prevailed, and at a low magnetic storm, depressive ones.

More often than others, those inhabitants of the planet who live closer to the poles suffer from magnetic "disturbances". That is, the closer to the equator, the lower the influence of magnetic storms. For example, if in St. Petersburg 90 percent of the population suffers from the effects of magnetic storms, then in the Black Sea - no more than 50 percent.

A magnetic storm always hits the most vulnerable points of the body, reflecting depression on one, exacerbation of chronic ailments - on the other, migraines - on the third, etc. The hardest hit is for the heart and people suffering from VSD and overweight.

Reasons for the impact of magnetic storms on humans

We react to a storm as a warning signal of a possible danger. The body falls into stress, mobilizes all forces to fight. So weather dependence is one of the ways to fight for survival. You can quite easily determine how dependent on the weather you are, that is, meteosensitive. If your health worsens with a change in climate, your working capacity decreases, depression appears, and the same signs of deterioration of your health are repeated, then you are meteosensitive.

It is known that a magnetic field acts on moving electric charges, electric currents, permanent magnets. In biological systems, including the human body, there are ordered movements of electric charges (electrons and ions). In addition to currents and charges, a living organism contains small magnets - molecules of various substances, primarily water. Magnets are known to interact. This is why the changing magnetic field causes these little magnets to reorient in the body. Deviating from the usual direction, they cease to perform their functions normally, from which the whole organism begins to suffer. Additional biocurrents arise in the human body, which further disrupts normal life activity. The human body is electromagnetic biocurrents.

How to protect yourself from a magnetic storm - measures to prevent the harmful effects of magnetic storms on humans

There is, of course, nowhere to hide from the magnetic storm. But it will not be superfluous to find out that the most powerful impact of the storm will be:

• At altitude - on the plane (air blanket - Earth - does not protect at altitude).
• In the northern regions of our country and in northern countries (Finland, Sweden, etc.).
• In the underground. Low-frequency magnetic fields generated in the subway, combined with the disturbance of the electromagnetic field of our planet, form a source of powerful negative impact on the human body.

How to protect your health from the influence of a magnetic storm?

Before the storm (during this period, the body experiences the most serious "overload") and during the storm, follow the recommendations of experts:

• Eliminate alcohol, nicotine and high physical activity.
• Have “emergency response” medicines on hand in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases (especially for heart disease).
• Do not rise abruptly out of bed in the morning (especially for hypotonic patients).
• Take aspirin to avoid blood clots (do not forget to consult a doctor - for example, aspirin is contraindicated for peptic ulcer and gastritis).
• For insomnia, nervousness, an increased sense of anxiety - infusion of eucalyptus, valerian, lemon balm, motherwort and aloe juice (this plant will not interfere with all weather-dependent).
• The diet for the storm period is fish, vegetables and cereals. The food load is moderate.
• Provide a full, sound sleep.
• Boost your intake of natural antioxidants (replace coffee with green tea).
• Drink more fluids to lower blood viscosity.
• Take herbal / oil baths and contrast showers.

P.S. Experts representing the Laboratory of X-ray Astronomy of the Sun of the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said that today, October 24, significant geomagnetic disturbances await our planet. With a probability of about 65 percent, the disturbance will be so strong that it can be classified as a magnetic storm. It is supposed to last until 27th October.

According to scientists, the sources of two dense streams of the solar wind are currently observed on opposite sides of our star. The Sun makes a complete revolution around its axis relative to the Earth in 27 days, if we take into account both the rotation of the star around its axis and the movement of the planet along its orbit. Thus, the Earth finds itself in one of the two streams of energy twice during this period, that is, every two weeks. In the past, this has already caused almost five days of magnetic disturbances, which lasted from October 11 to 15. A similar event will take place in the coming days, and then on November 6-7, and so on. Experts believe that with the current configuration of the solar wind, the Earth will have to live "in the rhythm of magnetic storms." So far, scientists cannot say with certainty exactly when the situation may change. According to one of the assumptions, this may only happen in a few months.

Even though this may seem paradoxical at first glance, such "regular" magnetic storms are characteristic of the period when solar activity is close to a minimum (now our luminary is observed precisely at this stage of the 11-year cycle of activity changes). According to experts, the fact is that new magnetic regions and spots on the star hardly appear, and, as a result, the configuration of the solar wind flows becomes very stable.

One way or another, scientists urge not to be too afraid of the next magnetic storm - in all likelihood, its power will not exceed 2 on a five-point scale, which makes it possible to classify it as moderate or average. As a rule, for the inhabitants of the Earth, magnetic storms of such strength proceed almost imperceptibly. At the same time, on November 6-7, geomagnetic disturbances may be more significant, the researchers note. (according to MK)

The negative impact of magnetic storms has a negative impact on 50-70 percent of the entire population of the planet. A stress response in any person can begin at different strengths of a magnetic storm and shift for a different period of time.

In some cases, the reaction begins to manifest itself several days before geomagnetic flares caused by increased solar activity. People begin to feel bad even during the magnetic storm itself, and others only after its completion.

With particularly careful observation of the change in the state of your body and the diagnostics carried out, you can find a general connection between the deterioration of health and the forecast of the geomagnetic situation on the planet.

The concept of magnetic storms

Magnetic storms are often formed in the middle and low latitudes of the planet, and can last from several hours to several days. This natural phenomenon is the result of the influence of the solar wind shock wave with high-frequency streams. Solar flares provoke a powerful release of protons and electrons into space, which begin to rapidly move towards the Earth, and after a few days reach the atmosphere of our planet. Since these particles are highly charged, they begin to influence the earth's magnetic fields. Thus, magnetic storms on the Sun during the increased activity of a space body provoke a disturbance in the magnetic field of our planet.

Geomagnetic flares happen no more than several times a month, and scientists, observing the movement of the solar wind and fixing flares, can predict an increase in the effect on the planet's magnetic fields. Geomagnetic storms are of varying intensity, from insignificant to aggressive. During severe outbreaks, satellite navigation and mobile communication failures can occur in parts of North America, as happened on September 11, 2005. Also in the middle of the 20th century, a study was carried out, during which more than 100 thousand car accidents were analyzed, and it was found that on the second day after the geomagnetic storm, the number of car accidents increased sharply.

The effect of magnetic storms is dangerous for people suffering from arterial hypotension or hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, VSD or mental illness. The effect of magnetic vibrations is practically not felt in young people.

The effect of magnetic storms on humans

Geomagnetic phenomena can have a strong impact on the spheres of human activity: damage to energy systems, interference in the operation of navigation systems, deterioration of communication, the occurrence of auto and air accidents, a sharp increase in the incidence of injuries at work, as well as deterioration in human health. Doctors also found that with magnetic activity, the number of suicides increases 5 times. The strongest influence from geomagnetic storms is received by the inhabitants of the countries of the North: Finland, Sweden, Norway, as well as in Murmansk, Syktyvkar and Arkhangelsk.

Subsequently, flares in the sun, within a few days after the end of the magnetic storm, the number of heart attacks, suicides, hypertensive crises increases. These manifestations of human ailments, during geomagnetic activity, increase by 15%. A negative effect on the human body can be manifested by the following symptoms:

• Joint pain and headaches;
• Sensitivity to bright light and harsh sounds;
• Migraine;
• Mood swings and insomnia;
• Blood pressure surges;
• Tachycardia;
• Relapses of chronic diseases in the elderly;
• Loss of strength, weakness and poor health.

Poor health in people tied to the meteorological forecast is explained by the fact that when the magnetic field fluctuates, capillary blood flow in the body decreases, due to a slowdown in blood flow, it thickens and becomes prone to blood clots. Possibly, and also may occur, oxygen depletion of organs and tissues, the nerves and the brain are the first to feel a lack of oxygen. During a prolonged magnetic storm with a break of a week, the body has time to get used to it, and there will be no reaction to the next geomagnetic phenomenon.

What should weather-sensitive people do to reduce these manifestations?

People with hypersensitivity to changes in the meteorological state and people with chronic diseases need to observe the approach of meteorological fluctuations and make changes in their schedule in advance, actions that can bring the stress state closer are best postponed for another time, and this time is spent on rest, and also better avoid emotional and physical overload. What to exclude or avoid:

• Limit alcohol consumption, exclude fatty foods from the diet that increase cholesterol.
• Reduce stress on the cardiovascular system: stress, overeating, physical activity.
• It is not recommended to get out of bed suddenly, you can provoke a sharp headache.
• On the first and second days after the end of the magnetic storm, drivers experience a 4-fold slowdown in reaction, therefore, when driving a vehicle, you need to be extremely careful, if you are sensitive to meteorological changes, it is better not to drive during this period.
• The influence of meteorological fluctuations is very strongly felt when you are in an airplane, metro (during a sharp acceleration and deceleration of a train), if possible, try not to use the metro services during this period of time. The fact of the frequent occurrence of coronary heart disease, as well as the frequency of heart attacks of metro passengers, was noticed.

Ways to mitigate the negative impact of a magnetic storm:

• In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to take 0.5 pills of aspirin, which disperses blood clots and helps to reduce the development of problems of the cardiovascular system.
• People suffering from chronic diseases (hypertension, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, VSD) must always have the necessary medicines with them in case of deterioration of their health.
• If, during the period of magnetic storms, a person feels anxiety, lack of sleep, increased excitability, with such signs, a reception is needed - peony, valerian, motherwort and others.
• In the fight against the reduction of the influence of magnetic vibrations, taking a shower also helps very well, even a simple wash can improve your well-being.
• The use of fruits is recommended: raisins, apricots, cranberries, blueberries, currants, lemon, bananas.
• Drinking tea with raspberries, mint, tea made from strawberry leaves, decoctions of lemon balm, rose hips, St. John's wort.

Magnetic storms and human health is a problem that has both supporters and opponents. Those who do not support this theory believe that gravitational perturbations on the Sun and Moon have much less effect on human well-being than constant stress, fatigue and lack of sleep, although it is also impossible to completely exclude the negative impact of magnetic storms on the human body.

According to various sources, from 50 to 70% of the world's population are predisposed to the negative impact of the effects of magnetic storms. Moreover, the onset of such a stress reaction in a particular person during different storms may shift at different times.

Someone has a reaction 1-2 days before a geomagnetic disturbance, when there are flares in the sun, someone starts to feel bad at the peak of a magnetic storm, and for some, the malaise manifests itself only some time after it.

If you listen to yourself, observe changes in health status and conduct an analysis, it is possible to find a connection between deteriorating health and the forecast of the earth's geomagnetic situation.

What are magnetic storms?

Magnetic storms most often occur in low and middle latitudes of the planet, lasting from several hours to several days. This comes from the shockwave of high-frequency solar wind streams. From flares in the sun, a large number of electrons and protons are ejected into space, which are directed towards the earth at a great speed and reach its atmosphere within 1-2 days. Charged particles with a strong stream change the magnetic field of the planet. That is, this phenomenon occurs during a period of high solar activity, disturbing the earth's magnetic field.

Fortunately, such flares occur no more than 2-3 times a month, which scientists can predict by recording flares and the movement of the solar wind. Geomagnetic storms can be of varying intensity, from mild to very aggressive. Under powerful disturbances, such as September 11, 2005, satellite navigation was disrupted and communications were cut off in parts of North America. In the 50s of the last century, scientists analyzed almost 100,000 car accidents, and as a result, they found that 2 days after solar flares, the number of accidents on the roads increased dramatically.

The most dangerous are magnetic storms for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypotension or hypertension, veto-vascular dystonia or mental illness. Young, healthy people practically do not feel the influence of magnetic vibrations.

How is the effect of magnetic storms on human health manifested?

Geomagnetic storms can have a huge impact on human activities - the destruction of energy systems, deterioration of communications, failures of navigation systems, on an increase in the incidence of industrial injuries, air and car accidents, as well as on the state of human health. Doctors also found that it is during magnetic storms that the number of suicides increases 5 times. Inhabitants of the North, Swedes, Norwegians, Finns, residents of Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Syktyvkar suffer especially strongly from geomagnetic fluctuations.

Therefore, just a few days after sun flares, the number of suicides, heart attacks, strokes, hypertensive crises increases. According to various sources, during magnetic storms, their number increases by 15%. A negative impact on human health can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• Migraine (see)
• Headaches, joint pain
• Response to bright light, harsh loud noises
• Insomnia, or vice versa, sleepiness
• Emotional instability, irritability
• Tachycardia (see)
• Blood pressure surges
• Poor general health, weakness, loss of strength
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases in the elderly

Scientists explain the deterioration of health in meteorological people by the fact that when the earth's magnetic field changes, the capillary blood flow slows down in the body, that is, aggregates of blood cells are formed, the blood thickens, oxygen starvation of organs and tissues may occur, first of all, the nerve endings experience hypoxia and brain. If magnetic storms go on in a row with a break of a week, then the body of the majority of the population is able to adapt and they practically do not have reactions to the next repeated waves.

What should weather-sensitive people do to reduce these manifestations?

Meteorological people, as well as people with chronic diseases, should monitor the approach of magnetic storms and exclude in advance any events, actions that can lead to stress for this period, it is best to be at rest, rest and reduce any physical and emotional overload at this time. ... What should also be avoided or excluded:

• Stress, physical activity, overeating - increasing the load on the cardiovascular system
• Eliminate alcohol intake, limit fatty foods that increase cholesterol
• You can not get out of bed suddenly, this will increase the headache and dizziness.
• The negative impact of storms on the plane, metro (with a sharp acceleration and stop of the train) is especially strongly felt - try not to use the metro during this period. It has been noticed that metro drivers often suffer from coronary heart disease, and heart attacks often occur among metro passengers.
• Both on the first and on the second day after the storm, the reaction of drivers slows down by 4 times, so you should be extremely careful while driving, if you are weather dependent - do not drive during this period.

What can be done to mitigate this negative impact:

• People suffering from CVS diseases, hypertension, etc. should take care in advance and always have the usual medicines at hand
• If there are no contraindications, then it is recommended to take 0.5 aspirin tablets, which thin the blood and can reduce the risk of developing problems with blood vessels and heart
• Ordinary water very well reduces the effect of magnetic storms - taking a shower, even better than a contrast shower, even simple washing can relieve the condition
• If a person experiences anxiety, insomnia, irritability during such periods, a reception is needed - valerian, motherwort, peony, etc.
• Tea with mint, raspberry, tea from strawberry leaves, St. John's wort, lemon balm helps well
• From fruits, it is advisable to use apricots, blueberries, cranberries, currants, lemon, bananas, raisins.

As always, any point of view on almost any issue finds both supporters and opponents, this also applies to the influence of magnetic storms. Opponents of this theory argue that the gravitational perturbations that the Moon, the Sun, and other planets of the solar system have on a person do not so much affect the human body, much more harm to a person is caused by daily stress in everyday life - a sharp rise or descent (rides, roller coasters, air flights), sudden braking and shaking of transport, loud noise, emotional stress, overwork, lack of adequate rest, lack of sleep.

The negative impact of magnetic storms affects almost 50-70% of the population of our planet. At the same time, the beginning of such a stress reaction of the body in each person during various storms can shift in time.

In some, the reaction develops 1-2 days before a geomagnetic storm, when flares in the sun occur, others do not feel well at the peak of magnetic excitement, while in others, malaise manifests itself only after magnetic disturbance.

If you listen to your own body and observe changes in your own state, analyze the situation, you can identify the connection between the forecast of the geomagnetic situation and the deterioration of your own health and well-being.

What are magnetic storms?

Magnetic storms most often occur in the middle and low latitudes of the planet and can last from several hours to several days. This is due to the shockwave of the high frequency solar wind. Solar flares provoke the ejection into open space of a large number of protons and electrons, which are sent at great speed to the earth and reach its atmosphere within 1-2 days. Charged particles change the earth's magnetic field. Thus, the phenomenon develops during a period of increased solar activity and ends with a disturbance of the earth's magnetic field.

Fortunately, such flares are possible no more than 2-3 times a month, so they can be predicted by specialists who record flares and track the movement of the solar wind. Geomagnetic storms can vary in intensity, from subtle to significant. With the development of powerful disturbances, such as, for example, observed on September 11, 2005, then there were disruptions to the functions of satellite navigation, and in some parts of North America even communications were cut off. In the middle of the last century, about 100,000 car accidents were analyzed, and the study found that the number of accidents on the roads increased on the second day after solar flares.

Magnetic storms are most dangerous for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypertension or hypotension, vegetative-vascular dystonia and mental disorders. Healthy young people practically do not feel the effects of magnetic vibrations.

How does the effect of a magnetic storm manifest on health?

Geomagnetic storms can seriously affect human activities - an increase in the number of auto and plane crashes, industrial injuries, failures in the navigation system, deterioration of communications, destruction of energy systems, and also has a significant impact on the body and human health. Doctors have calculated that it is during the period of sun activity that the number of suicides increases 5 times. Especially from geomagnetic fluctuations, residents of the northern regions, Finns, Norwegians, Swedes suffer, in our country they are residents of Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Syktyvkar.

Therefore, a few days after solar flares, the number of hypertensive crises, strokes, heart attacks, and suicides increases. According to various sources, during magnetic storms, their number increases by 15%. The negative effect on the human body is manifested by the following symptoms:

exacerbation of chronic diseases in elderly people;

loss of strength, weakness, poor health;

blood pressure surges;

tachycardia;

irritability, emotional instability;

drowsiness, or vice versa, insomnia;

reaction to harsh sounds, light;

joint pain, headaches;

Scientists suggest that the deterioration of health in meteorological people is associated with changes in the magnetic field of the earth, blood flow slows down in the body, aggregates of blood cells are formed, the blood becomes thicker, cholesterol levels may rise, oxygen starvation of tissues and organs is observed, the brain is the first to experience a lack of oxygen and nerve endings. If the development of geomagnetic storms is observed in a row with a break of a week, the majority of the population begins to adapt to the manifestations, and there is practically no reaction to repeated disturbances.

What should weather-sensitive people do to reduce manifestations?

Meteorological individuals and people with chronic pathologies should monitor the forecast of the approach of magnetic storms and exclude any actions, events that can provoke stress for this period, it is better to provide yourself with peace at this time, have more rest, reduce emotional and physical overload. You should also exclude or avoid:

Overeating, physical activity, stress - increase the load on the cardiovascular system.

Limit food that increases cholesterol (fatty), exclude alcohol.

Avoid getting out of bed abruptly as this can worsen dizziness and headache.

The manifestations of magnetic storms are especially strongly felt in airplanes and subways - it is better to try not to use the subway on these days. It has been noticed that metro drivers often suffer from coronary heart disease, and heart attacks are possible among passengers.

On the first and second days after a magnetic storm, drivers have a slow reaction (4 times), therefore, when driving on such days, you need to be extremely concentrated and careful, if possible, you should exclude travel by personal transport.

What can be done to mitigate the negative impact:

people who suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension and pathologies of the cardiovascular system should take care of themselves in advance and prepare medications;

in the absence of contraindications, you can take half a tablet of "Aspirin", which promotes blood thinning and reduces the risk of developing cardiac and vascular pathologies;

ordinary water perfectly stops the manifestations of magnetic storms - taking a contrast shower and even simple washing will help alleviate the condition;

if a person has during such periods of irritability, insomnia, anxiety, it is worth resorting to herbal sedatives - peony, motherwort, valerian;

tea with strawberry leaves, raspberries, mint, decoctions of lemon balm, St. John's wort, rose hips also helps;

among fruits, raisins, bananas, lemon, currants, cranberries, blueberries, apricots are especially suitable.

As in any other issue, any point of view finds both supporters and opponents, the theory of the influence of magnetic storms is no exception. Opponents of this assumption argue that the gravitational excitement that the Sun, Moon and other planets have on a person is not so significant as to have a pronounced effect on the body, daily stress, lack of sleep, lack of sleep, lack of adequate rest, overwork, emotional overstrain, and loud noise cause much greater harm. , shaking and sudden braking of transport, sharp descents and ascents (air flights, attractions).

What kind of phenomenon is this - magnetic storms, and why do they cause so much discomfort to humanity, and especially to VVD people? Why do we experience unnecessary anxiety or even panic attack?

A magnetic storm (geomagnetic) is the reaction of the Earth's magnetic field to flares occurring in the sun. As a result of such flares, the Sun throws out a huge amount of charged particles, which are carried away by the solar wind at great speed. Literally in a day - two of these particles reach the earth's atmosphere. Our planet, in turn, is protected by its own electromagnetic field, which absorbs most of these particles, preventing them from directly affecting the surface of the Earth and the creatures living on it. But, nevertheless, meteorological people can experience severe discomfort before, during or even after a magnetic storm.

Especially susceptible to people who experience all the "charms" vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) - it is called differently, but we will talk about this in great detail another time. VSD is an imbalance in the nervous system, so we become susceptible to any stress, even internal, which we do not notice. And magnetic storms are just the same internal stress. How does the symptomatology of such a meteoneurosis manifest?

Ailments can be felt as early as 1-3 days before the start of a geomagnetic storm, during and after.

Symptoms of the manifestation of magnetic storms on the human body with VSD:

• Malaise
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Migraine headaches
• Response to bright light
• Reaction to loud noises
• Bad dream, nightmares
• Irritability
• Emotional instability
• Tachycardia
• Blood pressure surges
• Weakness, loss of strength
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases (neck, spine, intestines)

If you are in or your state is not filled with joy or happiness, then you are more susceptible to geomagnetic disturbances than others. Think of depression as a weakened immune system and magnetic storm as a virus. As soon as the immune system weakens, the virus quickly captures it.

VSD is given to us so that we can finally start to change something in our life. I wrote about transformation in detail. Follow my instagram, there are many interesting and useful things every day!

A magnetic storm is one of the stresses for the body, and we are designed so that the hormone adrenaline is released in a stressful situation, so we experience anxiety, fear, anxiety, and malaise. Thus, our body "enters into a fight" - shows a protective response to stress "fight or flight."

I will give an example so that you understand the very process of the influence of magnetic storms on fluids in our body.

Changes in the Earth's magnetic field affect blood clotting. Blood cells, which are red precisely because they contain a lot of iron, react to changes in the magnetic field, similar to experiment: if you put steel filings on a sheet of paper and bring a magnet from below and begin to move it, the filings began to move with it.

The blood supply to all organs is deteriorating, and this is especially noticeable in the activity of the brain, which consumes up to 20% of the total energy of the body.

As you already know, magnetic storms come exactly when you don't expect them at all or they don't fit into our plans at all. For example, it was an ordinary day, filled with joyful events, emotionally favorable and, as they say, “nothing foreshadowed trouble” - and then bam, by the evening it was “covered”! I also do not advise looking at the forecast of magnetic storms in advance, because our mind will inspire us that soon we will feel bad, and so it will be.

Not everyone feels the impact of magnetic storms, someone may not know what it is. Now you probably think: “here are the lucky ones, they do not know what an IRR, magnetic storms, and I am sitting here all“ green ”, exhausted with migraines and anxiety that goes off scale…”. We do not know the underwater part of the iceberg that other people have.

We cannot read minds to know what problems people are experiencing. Yes, they do not know what an IRR is, but perhaps they are well acquainted with diseases that are difficult to treat. And VSD is not a disease, but a set of symptoms.

I gave you an example that, perhaps, will cheer you up a little so as not to fall into despair, since the symptoms of VSD are the most unpleasant thing that a person can experience, but it goes away.

How can you help yourself survive a magnetic storm?

What can you do when a magnetic storm hits you?

• Conversations on exciting and disturbing thoughts to relieve the mind
• Shower, warm shower - soothes, taking a bath
• Switch attention, distract from thoughts
• Magne B6
• Peace, Better Outdoors
• It would be nice to have a relaxing stroking (ask your spouse) to get goosebumps from the buzz, in general, something that brings pleasure, pleasure, to displace this adrenaline.
• Accept an alarm so as not to add a secondary alarm (I am anxious due to anxiety)
• Drink more water
• Relaxation (with eyes closed from the tips of the toes to the crown of the head)
• Eat only easily digestible foods that are quickly digested

In general, I will tell you that we feel magnetic storms if our nervous system is exhausted, we are in chronic stress, neurosis and anxiety (and there are about 70% of the world's population). If we are doing what we love, then this will also help remove the impact of the influence of magnetic storms. If our life is full of interesting experiences, good meetings, travels and other positive things, in general, everything that makes us satisfied, then magnetic storms may be less noticeable.

All of the above is based only on my own experience and is not a direct indication for action, I only share with you what I have tested on myself. Good mood to you all!