The geomagnetic storm is ... The effect of magnetic storms on people. Solar flares of 1859

A geomagnetic storm is a sudden disturbance of the Earth's geomagnetic field, which can last from a few hours to several days. It arises as a result of the interaction of solar wind currents and the magnetosphere of the planet. Magnetic storm (geomagnetic) is the most important component of the physics of interaction of the Earth and the Sun and is called "space weather". To describe the storm and its power, use the indices Dst and Kp. Most often, such field perturbations are observed in the middle and low latitudes of the Earth.

The origin of the storm

The sun is a huge vat filled with bubbling atoms. The farther away from our planet, the stronger it is able to influence it by the power of its wind. If the speed of the stream is about 300 km / s, then everything is in order on the Earth, the geomagnetic calm is observed. Periodically on the sun there are spots called flashes. Their magnetic field is much stronger than the earth's. Their power can be compared with the simultaneous eruption of 10 million volcanoes or with the strongest explosion of 200-250 hydrogen bombs. As a result of such flares, a large number of protons and electrons are emitted into space. Earth, being a strong magnet, attracts them to itself, violates its own field, and it begins to change its properties. Hence the conclusion that the geomagnetic storm is a sharp change in the magnetic constancy of our planet in the results of high activity of the Sun.

The relationship between man and the storm

It is proved that a number of external natural factors influence the general well-being of a person. One of the first places among them is the geomagnetic storm. Influence on a person it has a strong, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system. It is noticed that on such days people get tired faster, wrong heart work is observed : arrhythmia, tachycardia. According to statistical data on cases of myocardial infarction in the Moscow region, for the last 3 years, 13% of the cases were due to periods of geomagnetic instability. After the research, the scientists proposed to equip ambulance teams with instruments showing the change in the Earth's magnetic field.

In addition, it is proved that during the geomagnetic storms the number of auto accidents increases, and the number of suicides increases 4-5 times compared with favorable days. About 60% of the world's population is susceptible not only to changes in the magnetic field, but also to the outbreaks on the Sun. It is not possible to hide from adverse effects, but there are places in which the strongest impact is on a person:

• In airplane. At an altitude of 10,000 m, man is not protected by the air layer, as on Earth. Air crashes happen more often on troubled days.
• In the north. Residents of cities located to the north of the 60th parallel, are more often exposed to space weather.

• In underground tunnels and metro. Here, low-frequency electromagnetic fields are observed, which are much more dangerous than natural flares and storms. Their greatest concentration is fixed in the driver's cab, at the edge of the platform and in wagons. That is why practically all drivers of underground transport have ischemic heart disease, and cases of heart attacks are frequent in passengers.

Impact on instruments and computers

A geomagnetic storm is an enemy not only for human health, but also for various spheres of its activity. Communication is disrupted, the navigation systems of aircraft, marine and spacecraft are disconnected, free charges appear on the surface of transformers and pipelines. There may also be a failure in the power systems. Therefore, it is very important to predict the days of geomagnetic field instability in advance.

How to help yourself in the period of flares and changes in the magnetic field?

Tone the whole vascular system, heart, cheer up 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 alcoholic beverages. You should try not to be nervous, avoid conflict situations. People suffering from low or high blood pressure should always keep the necessary medicines with them.

Carrington event

The geomagnetic storm of 1859 was named in honor of the British astronomer Richard Carrington. On the eve he observed flashes on the Sun. Carrington recorded one of the strongest and concluded that soon there would be a geomagnetic storm on Earth. It really turned out to be the most powerful solar storm that covered almost all countries. In early September, the northern lights were observed all over the world, even over the Caribbean Sea. The workers of the telegraph suffered greatly from the magnetic hurricane. America and Europe lost their telegraph messages. Some devices continued to work, despite the fact that they were de-energized.

The face of modern apocalypse

If such a force majeure happened in our day, then it could be safely called the end of the world. Humanity would be left without television, all ways of communication: phone, Internet. The only thing that would continue its work, so it's secret military developments, which are protected from the effects of radiation. On Earth, a moderate geomagnetic storm is almost constant. At the southern and northern poles, there are regular northern lights, which are visible even to astronauts. Moderate fluctuations do not cause a sharp deterioration in people's health. To such changes in the magnetic field of the earth, mankind has become accustomed.