What does geomagnetic conditions mean. How magnetic storms affect human health. Examples of the impact of magnetic storms on the operation of power lines

Regular daily variations magnetic field are created mainly by changes in currents in the Earth's ionosphere due to changes in the illumination of the ionosphere by the Sun during the day. Irregular variations in the magnetic field are created due to the impact of the solar plasma flow (solar wind) on the Earth's magnetosphere, changes within the magnetosphere, and the interaction of the magnetosphere and ionosphere.

The solar wind is a stream of ionized particles flowing from solar corona at a speed of 300–1200 km/s (the solar wind speed near the Earth is about 400 km/s) into the surrounding space. The solar wind deforms the magnetospheres of the planets, generates auroras and radiation belts of the planets. The solar wind intensifies during solar flares.

Powerful solar flare accompanied by emission a large number accelerated particles - solar cosmic rays. The most energetic of them (108-109 eV) begin to reach the Earth 10 minutes after the flare maximum.

An increased flux of solar cosmic rays near the Earth can be observed for several tens of hours. The invasion of solar cosmic rays into the ionosphere of the polar latitudes causes its additional ionization and, accordingly, the deterioration of short-wave radio communications.

The flare generates a powerful shock wave and ejects a cloud of plasma into interplanetary space. Moving at a speed of over 100 km/s, the shock wave and the plasma cloud reach the Earth in 1.5-2 days, causing sharp changes in the magnetic field, i.e. magnetic storm, increased auroras, ionospheric disturbances.

There is evidence that a noticeable rearrangement of the baric field of the troposphere occurs 2–4 days after a magnetic storm. This leads to an increase in the instability of the atmosphere, a violation of the nature of air circulation (in particular, cyclogenesis intensifies).

Geomagnetic Activity Indices

Indices geomagnetic activity are intended to describe variations in the Earth's magnetic field due to irregular causes.

K indices

K index- three-hour quasi-logarithmic index. K is the deviation of the Earth's magnetic field from the norm during a three-hour interval. The index was introduced by J. Bartels in 1938 and represents values ​​from 0 to 9 for each three-hour interval (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc.) of world time. The K-index increases by one with an approximately twofold increase in perturbation.

Kp index is a three-hour planetary index introduced in Germany based on the K index. Kp is calculated as the average value of K indices determined at 16 geomagnetic observatories located between 44 and 60 degrees north and south geomagnetic latitudes. Its range is also from 0 to 9.

And the indices

A index- daily index of geomagnetic activity, obtained as an average of eight three-hour values, is measured in units of magnetic field strength nT - nanotesla and characterizes the variability of the Earth's magnetic field at a given point in space.

IN Lately instead of the Kp index, the Ap index is often used. Ap index is measured in nanoteslas.

Ap- planetary index obtained on the basis of averaged data on A indices received from stations located around the world. Since magnetic disturbances manifest themselves in different ways in different places on the globe, each observatory has its own table of ratios and index calculations, built in such a way that different observatories give the same indices on average over a long time interval.

Qualitatively, the state of the magnetic field depending on the Kp index
Kp Kp = 2, 3 - weakly perturbed;
Kp = 4 - perturbed;
Kp = 5, 6 - magnetic storm;
Kp >= 7 - strong magnetic storm.

For the Moscow Observatory:

In professional slang, one of the varieties of geomagnetic manifestations is called magnetic storms. The nature of this phenomenon is closely related to the active interaction of the Earth's magnetic sphere with solar wind flows. According to statistics, about 68% of the population of our planet feel the influence of these flows, which from time to time come to the Earth. That is why experts recommend that people who are especially sensitive to changes in the atmosphere find out in advance when magnetic storms are expected, the forecast for the month can always be seen on our website.

Magnetic storms: what is it?

In simple terms, this is a reaction the globe flares that occur on the surface of the sun. As a result of this, oscillations occur, after which the Sun emits billions of charged particles into the atmosphere. They are picked up by the solar wind, carrying them away at great speed. These particles can reach the Earth's surface in just a few days. Our planet has a unique electromagnetic field that performs a protective function. However, microparticles, which at the moment of approaching the Earth are located perpendicular to its surface, are able to penetrate even into the deep layers of the globe. As a result of this process, the earth's magnetic field reacts, which changes its characteristics many times over a short period. This phenomenon is called a magnetic storm.

What is weather dependence? If you feel unwell for no apparent reason, do not rush to the doctors, wait an hour or two. Perhaps you have become hostage to a magnetic storm caused by a sudden change in the weather. Check out the forecast to be sure. magnetic storms for 3 days. Weather changes include atmospheric pressure, temperature and degree of air humidity, as well as the background of geomagnetic radiation. As for atmospheric pressure, it is the main factor in the development of meteorological dependence. Those who do not particularly respond to changes in the weather are called meteostable. This means that there are no serious malfunctions in the work of internal organs and systems in these "lucky ones". Their body is in excellent shape, easily adapting to sudden atmospheric changes. Thus, certain painful reactions of the body are dependent on meteorological indicators.

Attention! You have the opportunity to find out if magnetic storms are expected online today. To do this, use a graph that allows you to produce online monitoring weather indicators indicating the imminent onset of a geomagnetic storm.

Magnetic storms forecast for today and tomorrow: online monitoring

• 0 - 1 point- there is no magnetic storm.
• 2 -3 points- a weak magnetic storm, does not affect well-being.
• 4 - 5 points- medium magnetic storm, slight malaise is possible.
• 6 -7 points- a strong magnetic storm, weather-dependent people should take care of their health.
• 8 - 9 points - very strong magnetic storm: headaches, nausea, increased blood pressure are likely.
• 10 points - extreme magnetic storm: it is best to spend the day at home, it is dangerous to drive.

The effect of magnetic storms on well-being

The most typical reactions to weather changes are headaches and increased heart rate. These manifestations may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• increase in blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• weakness in the whole body;
• tremor of the limbs;
• insomnia;
• decrease in activity;
• increased fatigue.

People can feel the approach of a geomagnetic storm in a few days. The resulting malaise, in addition to the listed symptoms, is also explained by the fact that during a storm there is a thickening of the blood. This interferes with the normal oxygen exchange in the body. Hence the breakdown, ringing in the ears and dizziness.

Why is it important for weather-dependent people to track the forecast of magnetic storms? People who are among the weather-sensitive, doctors are strongly advised to study the schedule of magnetic storms for tomorrow. Of course, tracking the forecast for several weeks in advance would be an ideal option, since sudden changes in meteorological parameters have a direct impact on the functionality of the body. Jumps in blood pressure upwards are considered the most dangerous reaction to magnetic storms. After all, this condition can cause hemorrhage in the brain. Those who do not suffer from serious illnesses should not worry. The risk group includes people with pathologies of the heart, blood vessels and organs of the respiratory system.

How to prevent the onset of "weather" malaise? Prevention of the occurrence of malaise as a result of exposure to magnetic storms is very important. On the eve of meteorological "surprises", in order to avoid manifestations of meteosensitivity or at least weaken them, you need to take appropriate medications.

What weaken the effect of magnetic storms on the body? These questions should be answered by your doctor, who is familiar with the characteristics of your body. Important! When prescribing a drug, a specialist must take into account the clinical picture, as well as the dynamics of your chronic diseases. Do not take any drugs that can lead to significant changes in the functioning of the body, unless prescribed by a specialized doctor.

One of the key skills of any HF DX hunter is the ability to evaluate conditions at any given time. Excellent transmission conditions, when many stations from all over the world are heard on the bands, can change so that the bands are empty and only single stations make their way through the noise and crackle of the ether. In order to understand what and why is happening on the radio, as well as to evaluate its capabilities in this moment time, three main indices are used: solar flux, A p and K p . A good practical understanding of what these values ​​are and what they mean is an advantage even for a radio amateur with the best and most modern set of communications equipment.

Earth atmosphere

The ionosphere can be thought of as something multi-layered. The boundaries of the layers are rather conditional and are determined by areas with a sharp change in the level of ionization (Fig. 1). The ionosphere has a direct impact on the nature of the propagation of radio waves, because, depending on the degree of ionization of its individual layers, radio waves can be refracted, that is, the trajectory of their propagation ceases to be rectilinear. Quite often, the degree of ionization is high enough that radio waves bounce off highly ionized layers and return to Earth. (Fig. 2).

The conditions for the passage of radio waves on the HF bands are continuously changing depending on the change in the levels of ionization of the ionosphere. Solar radiation reaching the upper layers earth's atmosphere, ionizes gas molecules, generating positive ions and free electrons. This entire system is in dynamic equilibrium due to the process of recombination, the reverse of ionization, when positively charged ions and free electrons interacting with each other again form gas molecules. The higher the degree of ionization (the more free electrons), the better the ionosphere reflects radio waves. In addition, the higher the level of ionization, the higher the frequencies can be, at which good transmission conditions are provided. The level of atmospheric ionization depends on many factors, including time of day, season, and the most important factor - the solar activity cycle. It is reliably known that the intensity of solar radiation depends on the number of spots on the Sun. Accordingly, the maximum radiation received from the Sun is reached during periods of maximum solar activity. In addition, during these periods, geomagnetic activity also increases due to an increase in the intensity of the flow of ionized particles from the Sun. Usually this flux is quite stable, but due to flares that occur on the Sun, it can be significantly enhanced. Particles reach near-Earth space and interact with the Earth's magnetic field, causing its perturbations and generating magnetic storms. In addition, these particles can cause ionospheric storms, in which short-wave radio communication becomes difficult, and sometimes even impossible.

The flux of solar radiation

A quantity known as the solar flux is the main indicator of solar activity and determines the level of radiation received by the Earth from the Sun. It is measured in solar flux units (SFU) and is determined by the level of radio noise emitted at a frequency of 2800 MHz (10.7 cm). The Penticton Radio Astronomy Observatory in British Columbia, Canada, publishes this value daily. The flux of solar radiation has a direct impact on the degree of ionization and hence the concentration of electrons in the F 2 region of the ionosphere. As a result, it gives a very good idea of ​​the possibility of establishing radio communications over long distances.

The value of the solar flux can vary within 50 - 300 units. Small values ​​indicate that the Maximum Applicable Frequency (MUF) will be low and general radio wave conditions will be poor, especially on the high frequency bands. (Fig. 2) On the contrary, high values ​​of the solar flux indicate sufficient ionization, which makes it possible to establish long-range communications at higher frequencies. However, it should be remembered that it takes several days in a row with high solar flux values ​​​​for the passage conditions to noticeably improve. Usually, during periods of high solar activity, the solar flux exceeds 200 with short-term bursts up to 300.

Geomagnetic activity

There are two indices that are used to determine the level of geomagnetic activity - A and K. They show the magnitude of magnetic and ionospheric disturbances. Index K shows the magnitude of geomagnetic activity. Every day, every 3 hours, starting from 00:00 UTC, the maximum deviations of the index value relative to the values ​​for a quiet day of the selected observatory are determined, and the largest value is selected. Based on these data, the value of the K index is calculated. The K index is a quasi-logarithmic value, therefore, it cannot be averaged to obtain a long-term historical picture of the state of the Earth's magnetic field. To solve this problem, there is an index A, which is a daily average. It is calculated quite simply - each measurement of the index K, made, as mentioned above, with a 3-hour interval, according to Tab. 1

converted to an equivalent index. The values ​​of this index obtained during the day are averaged, and as a result, the value of the A index is obtained, which on ordinary days does not exceed 100, and during very serious geomagnetic storms it can reach 200 or even more. The values ​​of the A index may differ for different observatories, since perturbations of the Earth's magnetic field may be of a local nature. To avoid discrepancies, the indices A obtained at different observatories are averaged and, as a result, the global index A p is obtained. In the same way, the value of the index K p is obtained - the average value of all indices K obtained in various observatories of the globe. Its value between 0 and 1 characterizes a calm geomagnetic environment, and this may indicate the presence of good transmission conditions in the shortwave bands, provided that the intensity of the solar radiation flux is sufficiently high. Values ​​between 2 and 4 indicate a moderate or even active geomagnetic environment, which is likely to adversely affect radio wave conditions. Further on the scale of values: 5 indicates a slight storm, 6 - violent storm and 7 - 9 speak of a very strong storm, as a result of which there will most likely be no passage to HF. Despite the fact that geomagnetic and ionospheric storms are interconnected, it is worth noting once again that they are different. A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field, and an ionospheric storm is a disturbance of the ionosphere.

Interpreting Index Values

The easiest way to use the index values ​​is to enter them as input into the radio wave propagation prediction program. This will allow you to get a more or less reliable forecast. In their calculations, these programs take into account additional factors, such as signal propagation paths, because the effect of magnetic storms will be different for different paths.

In the absence of a program, a good estimated forecast can be made independently. Obviously, higher values ​​of the solar flux index are good. Generally speaking, the more intense the flow, the better the conditions will be on the high HF bands, including the 6m band. However, you should also keep in mind the previous day's flow values. Maintaining high values ​​for several days will provide a higher degree of ionization of the F2 layer of the ionosphere. Usually values ​​above 150 guarantee good HF coverage. high levels geomagnetic activity also have an unfavorable side effect that significantly reduces MUF. The higher the level of geomagnetic activity according to the Ap and Kp indices, the lower the MUF. The actual MUF values ​​depend not only on the strength of the magnetic storm, but also on its duration.

Conclusion

Constantly monitor changes in the values ​​of the indices of solar and geomagnetic activity. This data is available on the websites www.eham.net , www.qrz.com , www.arrl.org and many others, and it can also be obtained through the terminal when connecting to DX clusters. A good run on HF is possible during periods when the solar flux exceeds 150 for several days, while the K p index stays below 2. When these conditions are met, check the bands - there must be some good DX already working there!

Adapted from Understanding Solar Indices By Ian Poole, G3YWX

According to various sources, from 50 to 70% of the world's population are predisposed to the negative impact of magnetic storms. Moreover, the beginning of such a stress reaction in a particular person during various storms can be shifted by different times.

For someone, a reaction occurs 1-2 days before a geomagnetic disturbance, when solar flares occur, someone begins to feel unwell at the peak of a magnetic storm, for some, the malaise manifests itself only some time after it.

If you listen to yourself, observe changes in the state of health and conduct an analysis, it is possible to find a connection between the deterioration of health and the forecast of the geomagnetic situation of the earth.

What are magnetic storms?

Magnetic storms most often occur in the low and middle latitudes of the planet and last from several hours to several days. It comes from shock wave high-frequency solar wind streams. From solar flares into space, a large number of electrons and protons are released, which are sent to the earth with great speed and reach its atmosphere within 1-2 days. Charged particles change the planet's magnetic field in a strong flux. That is, this phenomenon occurs during a period of high solar activity, perturbing the earth's magnetic field.

Fortunately, such flares occur no more than 2-3 times a month, which scientists can predict by recording flares and the movement of the solar wind. Geomagnetic storms can be of varying intensity, from negligible to very aggressive. With powerful disturbances, as for example on September 11, 2005, there were violations of the functions of satellite navigation and disconnection of communications in some areas of North America. In the 50s of the last century, scientists analyzed almost 100,000 car accidents, and as a result, they found that on the 2nd day after solar flares, the number of accidents on the roads increased sharply.

The most dangerous magnetic storms are for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, arterial hypotension or hypertension, veto-vascular dystonia or mental illness. Young, healthy people practically do not feel the influence of magnetic vibrations.

How is the impact of magnetic storms on human health?

Geomagnetic storms can also have a huge impact on human activity - the destruction of energy systems, deterioration of communications, failures of navigation systems, an increase in injuries at work, air and car accidents, as well as the state of human health. Physicians have also found that it is during magnetic storms that the number of suicides increases by 5 times. Residents of the North, Swedes, Norwegians, Finns, residents of Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Syktyvkar are especially affected by geomagnetic fluctuations.

Therefore, just a few days after solar flares, the number of suicide, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertensive crises increases. According to various data, during magnetic storms their number increases by 15%. manifest Negative influence on human health can be the following symptoms:

• Migraine (see)
• Headaches, joint pain
• Reaction to bright light, sharp loud sounds
• Insomnia, or vice versa, drowsiness
• Emotional instability, irritability
• Tachycardia (see)
• Jumps in blood pressure
• Poor general health, weakness, loss of strength
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases in the elderly

Scientists explain the deterioration in the state of health of weather-dependent people by the fact that when the magnetic field of the earth changes, capillary blood flow slows down in the body, that is, aggregates of blood cells are formed, the blood thickens, oxygen starvation of organs and tissues may occur, first of all, hypoxia is experienced by nerve endings and brain. If magnetic storms come in a row with a break of a week, then in the majority of the population the body is able to adapt and there is practically no reaction to the next repeated disturbances.

What can weather-sensitive people do to reduce these manifestations?

Weather-dependent people, as well as people with chronic diseases, should monitor the approach of magnetic storms and exclude any events, actions that can lead to stress for this period, it is best to be at rest at this time, relax and reduce any physical and emotional overload . What should also be avoided or eliminated:

• Stress, physical activity, overeating - increasing the load on the cardiovascular system
• Eliminate alcohol intake, limit fatty foods that increase cholesterol
• You can not get out of bed abruptly, it will strengthen headache and dizziness
• The negative impact of storms on the plane, the subway (with a sharp acceleration and stop of the train) is especially strongly felt - try not to use the subway during this period. It has been noticed that subway drivers often suffer from coronary heart disease, and among subway passengers heart attacks often occur.
• Both on the first and on the second day after the storm, the reaction of drivers slows down by 4 times, so you should be extremely careful while driving, if you are weather dependent - do not drive during this period.

What can be done to mitigate this negative impact:

• People suffering from cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc. should take care in advance and always have the usual medicines at hand
• If there are no contraindications, then it is recommended to take 0.5 tablets of aspirin, which thins the blood and can reduce the risk of developing problems with blood vessels and the heart.
• Ordinary water reduces the influence of magnetic storms very well - taking a shower, even better a contrast shower, even simple washing can alleviate the condition
• If a person experiences anxiety, insomnia, irritability during such periods, a reception is necessary - valerian, motherwort, peony, etc.
• Tea with mint, raspberries, tea from the leaves of strawberries, St. John's wort, lemon balm helps well
• From fruits, it is desirable to use apricot, blueberries, cranberries, currants, lemons, bananas, raisins.

As always, any point of view on almost any issue finds both supporters and opponents, this also applies to the influence of magnetic storms. Opponents of this theory argue that the gravitational perturbations that the Moon, the Sun, and other planets exert on a person solar system do not have such a strong effect on the human body, much more harm to a person is caused by daily stresses in ordinary life- a sharp rise or descent (attractions, roller coasters, air travel), sudden braking and shaking of transport, loud noise, emotional overstrain, overwork, lack of proper rest, lack of sleep.