Although the solar flare on January 10 was relatively weak, experts predict that the geomagnetic field will be unstable in the coming days. Geomagnetic activity is expected to fluctuate up to 3–4 points on the Kp-index scale, indicating moderate geomagnetic storms on January 11 and 12.
The Earth has been experiencing a storm for the 13th day, although its strength has weakened somewhat. During this time, people may feel unwell, experience headaches, fall into apathy, and face exacerbations of chronic diseases.
Magnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by increased solar activity. During magnetic storms, a large number of charged particles are ejected into near-Earth space, which interact with the magnetic field of our planet.
Although the impact of magnetic storms on human health is still debated among scientists, many people, especially those who are sensitive to weather changes, notice a deterioration in their well-being during geomagnetic disturbances.
According to Vladima Kolomin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Applied Geophysics, the events that occurred in 2024, such as powerful flares and magnetic storms, were not something extraordinary.
This is a normal course of events, because the peak of solar activity will be in 2025. But it must be understood that magnetic storms have quite serious consequences in our age, when there is intensive development of technology and electronics.
On Friday, January 3, the first highest class X flare in 2025 occurred on the Sun. Its duration was 20 minutes.
Depending on the strength of the X-ray radiation they produce, solar flares are classified into five levels: A, B, C, M, and X. X-class flares are considered the most powerful and can cause severe geomagnetic storms.
Read more on the topic:
The most powerful flare close to class X — M9.4 was recorded on the Sun
A powerful G3-level magnetic storm has covered the Earth
A weak G1-class magnetic storm has begun on Earth: the auroras have become more visible