2023-11-10 08:40:00
Phone / Photo: Freepik
There have been cases when, due to strong geomagnetic storms, telephone communications and electricity were cut off
Since the beginning of November, the Earth has been covered by a series of magnetic storms. One of the strongest occurred on the 5th: the strength of the weather strikes reached the level of G3 with a maximum of G5. Due to such a powerful magnetic storm, on the night of November 6 in the Altai Territory one could see a rare phenomenon for our region – the northern lights. Experts warn that geomagnetic storms can negatively affect people’s well-being and even damage equipment. Since storms may recur, we tell you how to save your equipment and protect your health.
What are “magnetic storms”?
Magnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field that disrupt its normal course and last from several hours to several days. They arise from solar flares that release streams of energy and charged particles. Geomagnetic storms cause auroras, can negatively affect orbital and terrestrial technology, and some people experience deterioration in health.
How do geomagnetic storms affect technology?
Experts note that magnetic storms generate electric current in metal objects, and therefore can affect equipment, energy systems and can provoke power surges. There have been cases when, due to strong geomagnetic storms, telephone communications were cut off, electricity was cut off, and even fires occurred.
Most often, space satellites suffer during magnetic storms; they can even be thrown out of orbit. For example, this happened in February 2022, wrote RBC with reference to the American aerospace company SpaceX.
“Unfortunately, the satellites deployed on Thursday were severely damaged by Friday’s geomagnetic storm,” the statement said.
Also, due to strong magnetic storms, there is a risk of GPS stoppages, interruptions in mobile communications and satellite TV signals. Less commonly, power lines and transformers are hit. In this case, the problem most often occurs with old equipment.
That is, during magnetic storms you need to turn off phones and TVs?
Experts say that telephones, televisions and other household appliances are not so sensitive to magnetic storms, so they are unlikely to be damaged. But if you’re really worried, you can play it safe by turning off your electronics and charging your phone in advance.
How seriously do magnetic storms affect human health?
The effect of magnetic field fluctuations on the human body has not yet been sufficiently studied. But some people at this time often complain of weakness, headaches, high blood pressure and migraines. And also during periods of magnetic field fluctuations, mortality from heart attacks and strokes increases. Doctors note that geomagnetic storms only affect weather-sensitive people.
At this time, such citizens should avoid increased stress, drink more water and get enough sleep. People with cardiovascular diseases also need to be especially careful.
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