Large coronal hole threatens Earth - scientists

Tengrinews.kz - One of the largest coronal holes in recent years on the Sun will cause powerful magnetic storms. This was stated by specialists from The Laboratory of X-Ray Astronomy of the Sun. What should earthlings expect in the coming days?
As scientists reported, the coronal hole on the Sun, which excited the public in January, returned to Earth, having made a full revolution around the axis of the Sun. Coronal holes often lead to various effects of space weather, in particular, to geomagnetic activity.
Coronal holes on the Sun. Photo: xras.ru
According to forecasts by specialists from the Laboratory of X-Ray Astronomy of the Sun, the first red columns of weak magnetic storms are expected on February 10.

"However, further developments are still poorly predictable. It can only be noted that the Earth will be in the hole's zone of influence for the entire next week, and the wind speed will remain at 600 kilometers per second and higher during this time. It is difficult to say with certainty to what values ​​of the Kp index this will rock the planet's magnetic field," the experts said.

According to scientists, the wind speed will remain close to the specified values ​​until the middle or until the end of the week, that is, until February 16.
Screenshot: xras.ru
The strength of magnetic storms is assessed on a five-point scale. Class G1 storms are assessed as weak, with the most powerful magnetic storms of class G5, problems with electrical appliances begin, and radio communications deteriorate.
Screenshot: xras.ru
During periods of powerful magnetic storms, weather-sensitive people may experience a deterioration in health. Possible symptoms include headaches, weakness, and increased drowsiness.
Coronal holes are areas in the solar corona where the density and temperature of the plasma are reduced. As a rule, the plasma density in such areas is approximately a hundred times less than in other areas of the corona.
Earlier, experts have expressed their opinion on rumors that in 2025, due to the strongest magnetic storms caused by solar flares, the world may be left without the Internet and even without electricity.
According to employees of the Institute of the Ionosphere, such assumptions are simply unrealistic. The main reason is that it is impossible to determine solar flares so far in advance.