Astronomers report an expected geomagnetic storm that will hit us on November 6th. According to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), it will be of the G2-G4 class. Slight disruptions to communications networks and even Internet outages are possible in parts of Europe and Asia, and on the night of the 7th and over the US.
Let’s recall that magnetic storms are divided into five categories – G1 “weak”, G2 “medium”, G3 “strong”, G4 “very strong” and G5 “extremely strong”.
The cause of this storm is the ejected portion of plasma from the sunspot AR3477, which erupted on November 04. Then astronomers from NASA’s Institute of Applied Geophysics recorded a solar flare of high intensity – M4 (R1) in the X-ray range. The eruption was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection with a speed of 700-900 km/s.
The intensity of X-ray radiation from solar flares is denoted by the Latin letters A, B, C, M, X, with X indicating the most powerful flares.
Although the explosion was not X-class, it was much more powerful than previous eruptions. One reason is that the eruption itself lasted for more than 40 minutes.
The danger of another eruption is not optimal, because in the next hours the sunspots AR3340, AR3435, AR3438 and AR3442 will be aimed at the Earth. It is possible that a new portion of plasma could be ejected from them, which could reach the planet and cause a geomagnetic storm of the G3-G4 class. According to astronomers, the probability of a stronger eruption rises to 75-80%.
When should we expect a geomagnetic storm from the eruption?
Meteo Balkans made a check and found that its main flow is directed towards the Earth, which will cause a strong magnetic storm on November 04, 2023.
What can the magnetic storm do to us?
Usually, the disturbances caused by it adversely affect the elderly and people with weak immunity. Those who are sensitive to the phenomena may experience fatigue, headache, malaise, fluctuating blood pressure and poor concentration.
What is a geomagnetic storm?
Geomagnetic storms are large and sudden disturbances in the values of the Earth’s magnetic field caused by its interaction with the solar wind. When an eruption is observed from one of the active regions of the Sun, a stream of plasma is released into the interplanetary space, which is launched at a speed between 600 and 900 km/sec. It usually takes about two days for this flow to reach Earth. Charged particles manage to penetrate through the polar regions and cause the formation of powerful current systems around the equator and polar circles.
How to protect ourselves?
During geomagnetic storms, doctors advise to follow a diet with fruits and vegetables, without animal fats. Drinking more water also helps a lot. Spend a few hours outside, but don’t overdo it with the walks.
The consumption of heavy food is not recommended, as well as prolonged stagnation in closed rooms without fresh air.
