Overlapping Solar Cycles Increase Magnetic Storms in Arkhangelsk
Northern residents feel solar flare effects despite rare January sunlight.
Recently, magnetic storms have been regularly striking Earth, and as a result, residents of the Arkhangelsk region are experiencing headaches and complaining of other signs of malaise. Have solar flares indeed become more frequent? Amateur astronomer Alexei Koptelev told 29.RU about this.
According to our interlocutor, solar activity is divided into cycles — a broader, century-long one and a smaller, 11-year one (also called the «Schwabe cycle»). Both are currently affecting Earth: the 11-year cycle is at its peak, while the century-long one is still at the beginning of its rise.
— The last 11-year cycle ended in 2019, and now a new peak of its activity is approaching, compounded by the rise of the century-long cycle. Flares are becoming more frequent. The peak of the century-long cycle will be around 2070, so the Sun will influence us more and more intensely, especially during peaks of the 11-year activity, — predicts Alexei Koptelev.
Headaches are not the only result of solar flares. Streams of particles can damage satellites, space solar panels, and also disrupt electronics on Earth.
— This is a very interesting branch of astronomy, — adds Alexei Koptelev. — Some aspects of it have already been studied, while others have not. The phenomenon is now being studied to predict such flares. They are risky for weather-sensitive people, and in addition, it greatly affects the operation of satellites, communication, navigation, GPS. Probably, equipment and electronics can also malfunction. Therefore, predictions of activity flares are absolutely necessary.
Earlier, we published a magnetic storm calendar for January — see on which other days your well-being might worsen.
On how to survive this day for weather-sensitive people — read in our special material.
