Weather-dependent, get ready: February 23 and 24 – powerful magnetic storms

Magnetic storms, also known as geomagnetic storms, are disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar wind interacting with the Earth’s magnetosphere. These storms can have significant impacts on technology, communication systems, and even human health.

When the sun releases a burst of charged particles in the form of solar wind, these particles can interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing it to become disturbed. This interaction can lead to a variety of effects, including fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field, electrical currents in the ionosphere, and even the creation of auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere.

One of the most common effects of magnetic storms is interference with technology and communication systems. The disruption of the Earth’s magnetic field can cause power outages, damage to satellites, and disruptions to communication networks. In extreme cases, magnetic storms can even cause electrical surges that damage electrical systems and infrastructure.

Magnetic storms can also have effects on human health. Some studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to magnetic storms may be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of magnetic storms on human health, but it is clear that they have the potential to cause harm.

In order to mitigate the effects of magnetic storms, scientists and engineers are working to improve forecasting and monitoring systems. By closely monitoring solar activity and the Earth’s magnetosphere, researchers can provide advance warning of potential magnetic storms and take steps to protect critical infrastructure and technology.

Overall, magnetic storms are a fascinating and potentially dangerous natural phenomenon. As our society becomes increasingly reliant on technology and communication systems, it is essential that we continue to study and understand the impact of magnetic storms in order to protect ourselves and our infrastructure from their effects.

Magnetic storms destroy the Earth’s ozone layer

Russian scientists have found out that magnetic storms destroy up to a quarter of the Earth’s ozone layer.

Physicists from St. Petersburg State University and other Russian universities, together with colleagues from the Davos Physico-Meteorological Observatory, proved that up to a quarter of the Earth’s ozone layer can collapse in a day of geomagnetic storms, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia told RIA Novosti.
They noted that scientists around the world pay great attention to research on the ozone layer and climatic conditions on Earth. To do this, it is necessary to take into account natural and anthropogenic factors acting in the atmosphere, from the surface of the planet to near—Earth outer space.

The destruction of the ozone layer is often associated with the precipitation of high-energy protons, electrons and alpha particles that penetrate into the atmosphere from the magnetosphere, the plasma shell of the Earth, whose physical properties are determined by the magnetic field and its interaction with streams of charged particles. As a result, free radicals are formed, which destroy ozone.

“We found that during geomagnetic disturbances in the polar atmosphere, the concentration of radicals increases. This leads to the destruction of ozone at mesospheric altitudes during the day. The maximum destruction we detected was 14-25 percent at an altitude of about 75 kilometers. That is, magnetospheric storms can destroy up to a quarter of the available ozone on this surface,” said Irina Mironova, head of the section “Magnetosphere and the effect of energetic particles on the Atmosphere” of the Laboratory for Research of the Ozone layer and the upper atmosphere of St. Petersburg State University.

Experts obtained detailed data on the number of particles in the atmosphere using balloon measurements of X-ray radiation associated with the so-called energetic electrons pouring into the atmosphere. Observations were carried out on Apatites in the Murmansk region. To assess the destruction of the ozone layer, a special mathematical model was used, which takes into account various processes occurring in the atmosphere.
In addition, for a more complete and detailed study, St. Petersburg State University scientists have created a model that allows you to calculate the temperature and concentration of neutral gases, free electrons and ions involved in more than 300 different reactions — for example, involving nitrogen and hydrogen catalytic cycles of ozone destruction.
The results obtained by St. Petersburg State University scientists can be used to more accurately predict the future of the ozone layer and the Earth’s climate, as well as to analyze the propagation of radio waves.

The doctor explained how to cope with the effects of magnetic storms

Endocrinologist Zhuchkova: during magnetic storms, it is important to avoid increased stress.

Magnetic storms are caused by solar flares. During them, it is important to get enough sleep, avoid excessive loads, and also observe the work and rest regime, Elena Zhuchkova, an endocrinologist at SM Clinic, told the Prime agency.

According to her, during magnetic storms, some people may experience an increase in blood pressure, headaches, decreased performance, a feeling of anxiety and an exacerbation of chronic diseases.
“In addition, the tendency to blood clots increases, tissue hypoxia develops, and the body’s gas exchange decreases. During magnetic storms, the number of heart attacks and strokes, hypertensive crises increases, and migraines increase,” the doctor noted.