On October 9, a magnetic storm began on Earth

On the morning of October 9, the Earth entered a period of expected increased geomagnetic activity after the release of solar plasma on October 6. Russian experts predicted a magnetic storm lasting about 10-12 hours with possible intensification to G1–G2 levels. The American NOAA Space Weather Forecasting Center also announced a G2-level magnetic storm warning for October 9. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What happens to the Earth's magnetic field on October 9th

Increased solar activity began a few days earlier. On October 6, an M1.4 flare occurred on the Sun, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection towards Earth. It is predicted that the arrival of this substance is capable of causing magnetic storms from mild G1 to moderate G2 on October 9.

Russian scientists estimated the probability of a magnetic storm on October 9 at about 80%. The main phase was expected to be relatively short and take about 10-12 hours.

When is the peak of the magnetic storm expected

Russian forecasts indicated an increase in geomagnetic disturbances during the day on October 9 and a possible exit to the G2 level. According to the scientists of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory, the storm should last about 10-12 hours.

The G1 level is forecast for 18:00-21:00 Moscow time, and the G2 level for 21:00-00:00 Moscow time. Increased activity may continue in the early hours of October 10.

How long will the geomagnetic disturbance last

Russian scientists estimated the main magnetic storm itself at about 10-12 hours. After passing the peak, the magnetic field may remain disturbed for some time.

Flash reception: magnetic storm affected drones, orientation of birds and health of earthlings

Have the vagaries of space weather become record-breaking and what consequences can we expect from them?

Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Phobos Weather Center, warned of a longer period of instability. According to him, geomagnetic disturbances can last about two days, and the return of the magnetic field to a calm state is expected on October 11.

In addition, the situation may be complicated by another release of solar matter. Spaceweather, citing the NOAA forecast model, reported two coronal ejections heading for Earth.: The first one is expected on October 9th, the second one around October 11th.

How strong will the magnetic storm be

NOAA predicts a maximum of G2 for October 9th. At this level, there may be some problems with power systems at high latitudes, an impact on the orientation of spacecraft and deterioration of high-frequency radio communications, but G2 is only at the second step of the five-point scale.

Magnetic storms can also expand the area where auroras appear. At G2, NOAA allows their observation well south of the usual high latitudes.

What do doctors recommend during a magnetic storm?

Evgeny Kosmynin, an Invitro internist, recommends following the usual routine.: get enough sleep, drink enough water, eat regularly, limit strong coffee and alcohol, and do not overload yourself with unusually heavy physical exertion. At the same time, the usual daily activities do not need to be canceled.

The doctor advises people with hypertension to measure blood pressure in a calm state in the morning and evening. It is not worth checking the indicators every few minutes, since constant monitoring can increase anxiety.

Constantly prescribed medications should be taken as usual. The doctor does not recommend canceling medications on their own, increasing their dosage, or starting taking special medications and dietary supplements "against magnetic storms", since there is no proven drug prevention of geomagnetic effects.

In case of pressing pain behind the sternum, sudden shortness of breath, sudden weakness, unusual severe headache, speech disorders, facial asymmetry, numbness of limbs or loss of consciousness, it is necessary to seek emergency help. The doctor warns that such symptoms cannot be explained by a magnetic storm, as they may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.