[Regnum] There's a 70% chance that a weak magnetic storm will hit Earth on May 7 and 8. This forecast was given by Sergei Bogachev, Head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in a conversation with Regnum News Agency on Thursday, May 7.
"On normal days, the probability of storms and other disturbances is 5-10%, but on May 7th and 8th, their probability is approximately 70% combined, significantly higher than normal. The reason for this is also clear: the solar wind speed near the Earth is increasing. As a rule, the Earth's magnetic field responds to such events. Magnetic storms are a process occurring within the magnetic field. Therefore, there is a forecast for magnetic storms, and it is highly likely to come true," Bogachev stated.
The scientist emphasized that if a magnetic storm does occur, it won't be severe. Its maximum intensity will be G1—the lowest level on a five-point scale. From a health standpoint, such events have virtually no impact on people's health.
"The event will be short-lived, definitely not lasting more than two days. By May 9, the situation is guaranteed to stabilize. According to forecasts, May 9 is a calm day. The probability of magnetic storms is never zero; there's always at least a 5% chance in the area. It will be at approximately the same level on May 9—that's considered calm," Bogachev concluded.
The last magnetic storm hit Earth on the night of May 5. It was caused by a coronal plasma ejection, and its intensity reached a moderate level (G2).
Previously, cardiologist Andrei Kondrakhin explained in an interview with Regnum News Agency that during magnetic storms, people prone to headaches may feel worse due to the body's adaptation. According to the doctor, disturbances in space can aggravate existing medical conditions, but they themselves pose no harm to health.