Astrophysicists fear that a super solar flare will destroy humanity. A powerful solar flare is burning up the Earth's magnetic field, scientists say
Astrophysicists Denmark, Belgium, China and Italy were not excluded super flare on the Sun, capable of destroying most of the living organisms on Earth. Previously, the likelihood of such an event was assessed as negligible.
New research shows that this is not the case. The astrophysicists' article was published in the journal Nature Communications and is briefly reported on the website of Aarhus University.
What are superflares
The most powerful flares observed on the Sun emit enormous energy into the surrounding space. In a few minutes, up to a trillion megatons of TNT are released into outer space. This is about a fifth of the energy emitted by the Sun in one second, and all the energy that a person would produce in a million years (assuming it was produced at modern rates).
Superflares occur, as a rule, on larger stars of spectral classes F8 - G8, massive analogues of the Sun (belonging to the G2 class). These luminaries usually rotate slowly around their axis and may be part of a close binary system. The power of superflares exceeds solar flares by tens of thousands of times.
What scientists have found
Astrophysicists have proven that the Sun can also produce a superflare. In their study, the scientists examined the activity of 5,648 Sun-like stars, 48 of which had superflares recorded. It turned out that stars with superflares are characterized by larger ejections of matter from the chromosphere than the Sun. At least four of the stars studied (KIC 8493735, KIC 9025370, KIC 8552540 and KIC 8396230) had a magnetic field almost identical to the solar one (or slightly less active).
The latter circumstance allowed astrophysicists to assume that flares on the Sun and superflares on other stars have a common nature. Scientists analyzed data obtained by the Kepler space telescope during the search for exoplanets using the transit method (based on changes in the apparent luminosity of a star as it passes through the disk of a celestial body). A NASA observatory discovered many superflares on stars four years ago.
A detailed study of the stars was carried out using the world's largest spectral telescope, LAMOST (Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope), located in northeastern China near Beijing. The observatory's field of view coincided with the portion of the sky surveyed by Kepler. In total, astrophysicists studied the spectra of about one hundred thousand stars using LAMOST.
Solar flares are classified by their peak X-ray intensity (S-index). The minimum corresponds to peak A, equal to the radiation power less than ten to the minus seventh power of watts per square meter. The maximum is peak X, a thousand times larger than A. Scientists presented graphs of the S-index (using the example of calcium absorption lines) of the stars KIC 8493735, KIC 9025370, KIC 8552540 and KIC 8396230, equal to 0.15, 0.23, 0 at the moment of the superflare .30 and .34 respectively.
Flashes have been recorded there that are thousands of times more intense than those on the Sun. These stars are similar to the Sun, and their magnetic fields are no stronger than the sun. This means that such superflares can occur on our star. Their consequences can be disastrous for life on the planet. After all, known to science strong flares on the Sun caused a lot of trouble.
Carrington Event
Anomalously high levels of carbon isotopes in wood rings indicate that a minor solar superflare may have occurred in 775 (and probably also in 993). Isotopes got into the wood material from the Earth’s atmosphere, where they appeared after the planet was bombarded by a stream of high-energy particles (protons) from the Sun. An alternative explanation suggests that these particles originated in other parts of the Milky Way.
The 775 event could have been 10-100 times more intense than the most powerful solar flare recorded so far - Carrington events.
In early September 1859, a geomagnetic storm caused the telegraph systems of Europe and North America to fail.
The reason was called a powerful coronal mass ejection that reached the planet in 18 hours and was observed on September 1 by British astronomer Richard Carrington.
LAMOST Observatory
Geo magnetic storms 2003 and 2005 were most likely caused by a solar storm similar to the one that occurred in 1859. In particular, on October 28, 2003, one of the high-voltage transformers in the Swedish city of Malmo failed, cutting off power to the entire populated area for an hour. Other countries were also affected by the storm.
What's happened solar flares
A consistent theory describing the formation of solar flares does not yet exist.
Flares occur, as a rule, in places where sunspots interact on the border of regions of northern and southern magnetic polarity.
This leads to the rapid release of energy from the magnetic and electric fields, which is then used to heat the plasma (increasing the speed of its ions).
Spots are observed as areas of the Sun's surface with a temperature approximately two thousand degrees Celsius lower than the temperature of the surrounding photosphere (about 5.5 thousand degrees Celsius).
In the darkest parts of the sunspot, the magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the surface of the Sun, while in its lighter part they are located closer to the tangent. The magnetic field strength of such objects exceeds its terrestrial value thousands of times, and the flares themselves are associated with a sharp change in the local geometry of the magnetic field.
Alternative Scenarios
There are three alternative scenarios that explain the occurrence of superflares on stars, in addition to the redistribution of magnetic field energy observed on the Sun. The “star-star” theory assumes the presence of a closely located companion star next to the luminary, the magnetospheres of which are temporarily connected by a flux magnetic tube. A superflare represents the rupture of this tube.
The second scenario, the “star-disk” scenario, is based on the hypothesis of the existence of a disk of gas and dust around the star. Rotating around the star, at some point it destroys the magnetic configuration, which initiates a superflare.
The third scenario, star-planet, involves a massive exoplanet around a star. The interaction of celestial bodies can also create a magnetic tube and lead to its rupture (as in the first scenario) or a change in the polarity of the star due to the strengthening of the magnetic dynamo effect.
What to expect
Modern observational tools and theoretical models can predict a solar flare in about three days. Several countries have at their disposal a variety of satellites that monitor the activity of the star. One of the most powerful stations is the solar dynamics laboratory SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), owned by NASA. Russia carried out satellite observations of solar activity using the Coronas-Photon apparatus.
Some studies indicate that the significance of solar flares is exaggerated, while others consider them to be the cause of mass animal extinctions. Thus, one of the articles reports that in the event of a strong outbreak, changes in the magnetic field will not affect the entire planet, only some of its parts, and a simultaneous shutdown of all the Earth’s energy systems in the event of even a powerful geomagnetic storm is unlikely.
On March 23, a class C flare was recorded on the Sun (not dangerous to humans and a million times weaker than a potentially dangerous superflare). Already on March 24, magnetic activity on the star was minimal. In any case, there is no need to expect predicted (and pleasant) surprises from the Sun.
American inventor-conceptualist Thomas Leveritt talked about the effect of the sun on the skin in his video.
Weak magnetic storms, intensity G1, are expected in the middle of the month, October 11-14. At the same time, according to the Solar X-ray Astronomy Laboratory, on October 24 the magnetic storm will repeat from level G1 to G2.
Magnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field lasting from several hours to several days. Particularly sensitive people on such days may not be able to better condition. This phenomenon has its consequences both for humanity and for technical devices. It is expected that the new magnetic storm will affect cellular communications and increase the likelihood of technical breakdowns.
A magnetic storm can lead to malfunctions of electronic devices, in particular communications, and also increases the risk of man-made accidents. In addition, such phenomena can cause discomfort to people with increased weather sensitivity.
In October, the Sun entered its active phase again, so solar flares cause many problems for weather-sensitive people. Despite the fact that in 5 days a magnetic storm will reach the Earth, it...
In the coming days, the solar wind will reach the Earth, which will cause another magnetic storm on October 13-14, reports the Phobos weather center. In addition, on such days the risk of various man-made accidents increases.
Forecasters explain that the impact of magnetic storms on humans is almost always characterized by poor health, headaches, migraines, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and pressure changes. But it is clear that the vast majority of people endure magnetic storms without even noticing them.
nation-news.ru: Scientists have warned about the serious consequences that await people from a powerful solar flare
According to scientists, a powerful explosion on the surface of the Sun occurred precisely at the point that looks at the Earth, so people will definitely feel its consequences...
— In the coming days, a new portion of solar wind will reach the Earth, which will cause another magnetic storm, which is expected on October 13-14. At the same time, on October 11-12, as well as on October 15, the Earth’s magnetosphere is expected to be disturbed, forecasters report.
Solar flare is the latest news today. Exclusive.
It is expected that the storm will begin to show activity on October 11, and its peak will occur on October 14.
UFO scientists are trying to prove that the cyclical nature of solar activity will lead to the death of all life on Earth in the next half century. In the near future, an increase in the solar magnetic field will lead to the appearance of radiation, capable of killing all life on planet Earth. Scientists say that in 2039 Neptune will begin to approach the Sun. This period will last until 2055. From 2043, the fiery planet will begin to approach Uranus, which will entail the release of a whole wave of radiation that can burn the entire energy system of the Earth. The earth may also suffer from this phenomenon. And a huge part of them is associated with physical processes directly in the bowels of the star.
Doctors advise weather-sensitive people to take special care on such days. It is not recommended to drive, go down the subway, go to the gym, drink too much coffee and strong tea. If necessary, you should consult a doctor immediately. The main task is to monitor your health and get enough sleep.
Magnetic storms on Earth began on September 6, when the first emissions of solar plasma reached the Earth, following a series of powerful flares on the Sun.
“URA.RU” turned to the Ekaterinburg astronomer for comment, and the Ural specialist refuted this theory.
This phenomenon is provoked by the solar wind, which will be active on Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14.
A solar flare is all about the dangers and consequences. Detailed data.
The sun is a huge ball of gas that rotates around its axis. Rotational speed different parts The sun is different: the poles rotate more slowly, and the equator - faster. It turns out that the magnetic field of the Sun, together with the plasma, twists, intensifies and begins to lift it to the surface. Thus, solar activity increases and flares appear. It turns out that the rotational energy of this star turns into magnetic energy, and where too much energy is released, flares occur.
Let us remember that the last massive flares on the Sun occurred last month. As Sergei Kuzin, head of the Solar X-ray Astronomy Laboratory, informed TASS Physical Institute named after Lebedev RAS, strong magnetic storms at the beginning of autumn were anomalous phenomena and the likelihood of their recurrence is quite low.
Magnetic storms on Earth cause strong reactions in many people. Therefore, people are wondering whether there will be magnetic storms in October. Forecasters say people should get ready to the arrival of storms in October...
Forecasters predict that the planet will soon be hit by a series of magnetic storms. According to scientists, October is preparing both minor and powerful storms. The strongest ones will take place from October 11 to 12, as well as October 15. On the 13th-14th, magnetic storms will be insignificant. The reason will be a portion of the solar wind that reaches our planet.
“At the same time, on October 11-12, and on October 15, the Earth’s magnetosphere is assumed to be disturbed,” reporters quote the words of weather forecasters.
According to them, in 2039 Neptune will begin to approach the Sun - the phenomenon will last until 2055, and everything would be fine if not for Uranus, which will begin to approach the star in 2043. The process will last 16 years. Various magnetic waves demonstrate that the Sun and Earth, as well as other planets, are connected to each other. And every time the Earth flies through this zone, it will be subjected to strong radiation that can burn out the Earth’s energy system built by people.
Scientists warned of a two-day magnetic storm on Tuesday: due to solar wind activity, geomagnetic disturbance is expected on the Earth on October 13 and 14. It is reported that in the coming days the population of the Earth will feel the latest portion of solar wind, which will cause a magnetic storm. On such days, you should be especially attentive to your body and take proactive measures recommended by your doctor.
svpressa.ru: A new powerful flare occurred on the Sun
Russian scientists from the Laboratory of Solar X-ray Astronomy of the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences recorded a new powerful flare on the Sun. The flare was recorded on the evening of September 7. Second outbreak assigned the highest activity class - X. According to experts, the approximate size of plasma clouds in Earth’s orbit...
The solar wind should reach the Earth very soon, forecasters predicted. An increase in man-made disasters cannot be ruled out. Although clear and warm weather is expected in Chelyabinsk during this period, honey. staff are advised to be especially careful about their health. IN this moment, as then, the quality of communication may deteriorate, the likelihood of man-made disasters increases, and in addition, weather-sensitive people will feel a deterioration in their health.
Solar flare photo. Latest details.
Meteorologists advise people to be especially careful these days. Storms lead to disruptions in communication systems and electronic devices and increase the risk of accidents. People with increased sensitivity to weather changes may experience serious psycho-emotional discomfort. During this period, there is an increased number of people suffering from headaches, migraines, pressure changes, rapid heartbeat and those who are trying to overcome insomnia
Forecasters warn Russian citizens that the likelihood of man-made accidents and disasters will increase in the coming days. Electromagnetic disturbances will subside only by the end of the week and the storm will end on Sunday October 15th. The main symptoms are the appearance of headaches, rapid heartbeat, insomnia and pressure changes.
Scientists studying the cycles of solar activity are sounding the alarm - everything indicates that in just a few decades our star will completely destroy the Earth's energy system. It has been reported that solar flares allegedly overlap each other every time, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.
A series of solar flares began on September 4. The plasma ejected by the Sun began to “burn” the Earth’s magnetic field lines.
It became known that scientists have informed about the latest date of the End of the World. After all, its outbreaks overlap each other every time, which can lead to catastrophic consequences. When major planets begin to approach the Sun, its magnetic fields intensify, and a powerful emission of radiation occurs. As a result, the Sun will be several hundred thousand kilometers closer to our planet and therefore the heat of the star will “wash away” the Earth’s atmosphere.
Due to solar flares, a large amount of plasma is released into the atmosphere, which forms a kind of clouds. They move with the help of the wind and are directed towards the Earth, burning its field and causing magnetic storms.
In the middle of the 21st century, the Sun can kill the Earth with a lethal dose of radiation. As noted, from 2039 Neptune and the Sun will begin to approach each other, sending massive radiation waves that will destroy everything in their path. This period will last until 2055. In addition, from 2043 the star will approach Uranus, which is fraught with the release of a wave of radiation that can actually burn out the Earth's energy system. From 2043, the fiery planet will begin to approach Uranus, which will entail the release of a whole wave of radiation that can burn the entire energy system of the Earth.
A magnetic storm can affect the operation of communications; these days the likelihood of some technical breakdowns and accidents usually increases; many people, especially sensitive ones, feel discomfort.
Solar flare video. Urgent news.
MOSCOW, September 8 – RIA Novosti. The plasma cloud, which was formed as a result of a powerful flare on the Sun, reached the ground. Now the magnetic field of the ejection is “burning” the field lines of our planet, says the Laboratory of Solar X-ray Astronomy of the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences (FIAN).
According to scientists, the plasma cloud arrived in Earth's orbit about 12 hours earlier than predicted. This means that its speed was one and a half times higher than expected.
Record solar activity
The strongest surge in solar activity in the last 12 years took place on September 6-8. Several flashes of extreme brightness occurred on the surface of the celestial body. Coronal matter was emitted towards the Earth. On our planet, this phenomenon caused a strong geomagnetic storm, but so far no negative consequences There were no solar flares.
The first outbreak occurred on Wednesday, September 6, and became the most powerful in the last 12 years. She was assigned a score of X9.3. (The previous explosion of similar force was recorded on September 7, 2005). The sunspot in which the flare occurred remained active until September 8, emitting three more moderate (level M) and one strong (level X) flare. The last flash, which was closest in strength to level X, occurred around 11:00 Moscow time.
The shock wave from the first flare reached the Earth much earlier than expected: already at midnight on September 8, a strong (fourth level on a five-point scale) geomagnetic storm began. According to forecasts from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the magnetic storm should end at 18:00 Moscow time.Sunquake and the placebo effect
During the first flare, seismic waves, which scientists call a sunquake, spread across the surface of the star, the presenter told RIA Novosti Researcher Institute of Space Research RAS Alexey Struminsky.
“What’s interesting about this flare is that at the time of individual flares, there is a sunquake, when seismic waves propagate across the Sun - they are visible in the images,” he said.
According to Struminsky, the consequences of such an outbreak should not cause any harm to health. “There are people who believe in this (the effect of solar flares on health). There are those who don’t believe. If we talk about those who believe, it will affect the same way as similar flares affected in previous cycles... Almost no one will notice anything ", said the scientist.
He clarified that, despite the strength of the outbreak, there will be only a minor impact on the operation of radio communications and satellites.The head of the Moscow Space Club, Ivan Moiseev, has a slightly different opinion. According to him, the outbreak could lead to disruptions in the operation of satellites. Failures should not occur, but temporary equipment failures during geomagnetic storms are a common phenomenon.
But Moiseev ruled out the possibility of a negative impact of outbreaks on people’s health. It is rather psychological factors that have a harmful effect.
"Such facts scientific research not yet recorded. Theoretically, yes, it is possible, but practically it has not been proven. We must understand that the placebo effect in the feelings of people reading news about flares, as well as about sunspots, has a greater impact on their physical and psycho-emotional state. A person is worried, expects troubles - and so they happen,” Moiseev believes.
All systems are working properly
Despite the alarming prospects for radio and satellite technology, there have been no reports of failures or serious malfunctions of the equipment. The first to report that solar flares had no effect on control systems were the Strategic Missile Forces.
“The most powerful geomagnetic storm caused by a solar flare did not have a significant impact on the performance of the combat control systems of the Strategic Missile Forces.<…>The systems make it possible to eliminate any influence of external sources on the combat readiness of troops. The paths for transmitting orders and collecting reports of the automated combat command and control system are formed by wired, radio and satellite communication channels and have the necessary survivability and noise immunity,” the Ministry of Defense said.The department emphasized that combat control orders are communicated to launchers directly, bypassing intermediate links, including under conditions of nuclear influence and electronic suppression.
Later, the Ministry of Defense reported that there was no harmful impact on the Russian orbital group.
"The magnetic storm caused by the solar flare did not have a negative impact on the Russian orbital constellation and ground control systems spacecraft Russian Space Forces,” noted the Russian military department.
“The duty forces of the ground-based automated control complex carry out communication sessions and control of spacecraft of the Russian orbital constellation in normal mode,” the Ministry of Defense added.
Consequences on the work of the largest Russian mobile operators astronomical phenomena also had no effect.
“The solar flares did not in any way affect the operation of the MTS network,” said MTS press secretary Dmitry Solodovnikov.
“Megafon’s network is operating normally,” the operator’s press service assured.“The Beeline network is operating normally, there are no deteriorations due to the solar flare,” said a VimpelCom representative.
There was no need to evacuate the international crew of the International Space Station. In the event of a threat of radiation exposure, cosmonauts and astronauts usually hide in the descent module of the Soyuz spacecraft docked at the station. The Mission Control Center (MCC) reported that the radiation background on the ISS, despite new outbreaks, quickly returned to normal.
Northern lights at unprecedented southern latitudes
Pavel Skripnichenko, a member of the Department of Astronomy at the Ural Federal University, reported that such solar flares can cause northern lights at latitudes where they usually do not occur.
“In the Urals, in general, aurora as such is not observed, because the latitudes are quite southern. Normal auroras, multicolored, which are best known, are observed to the north. But as a result strong activity In the sun in the Urals, at a latitude of about 50-60 degrees, red flashes like these can be observed. That is, it is not guaranteed that they will be visible, but they, in principle, can be observed when solar activity is high or when there is a flare,” the scientist said.
Senior researcher at the Pulkovo Laboratory Sergei Smirnov said that the northern lights may also be visible in St. Petersburg.“In St. Petersburg, there may be a high probability of the northern lights, but due to heavy cloudiness, citizens may not see them. For example, now the cloud cover over the city is two tiers. So it is better to observe this phenomenon outside the city,” Smirnov said.
According to NOAA forecasts, the northern lights, triggered by powerful flares on the Sun, have about a 50% chance of reaching Moscow on Sunday night.
Nevertheless, Vladimir Surdin, a senior researcher at the State Astronomical Institute named after P.K. Sternberg, believes that big cities rather poorly suited for observing the aurora. Even if it does reach Moscow, Muscovites will have little chance of observing the amazing phenomenon.
“It’s unlikely, since there are clouds over Moscow, and they are unlikely to disappear in the coming nights. We definitely won’t see the lights, even if there are any. Over the city, such things are not visible even in cloudless weather, because the sky is very overexposed. The aurora is not such a bright thing,” Surdin told RIA Novosti.
The end of the strongest storm
After several flashes average size(but approaching the boundary of powerful flares), solar activity has dropped to a weak class C level, as follows from the graph of the Laboratory of Solar X-ray Astronomy of the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences.
The FIAN representative clarified that a magnetic storm of the fourth level on a five-point scale is occurring on Earth. The magnitude of the event is approximately 10 times greater than predicted. Canada, now on the night side of the Earth, experiences strong auroras at high and mid-latitudes. The storm is planetary in nature.Scientists note that what happened is a natural result of changes in the solar corona over the past three days. During this period, as a result of the interaction of two large groups of sunspots, energy accumulated, which was released in a major flare. Currently, the consequences of this natural phenomenon are difficult to predict with sufficient accuracy.
According to the NOAA forecast, the end of the magnetic storm on Earth is expected around 18:00 Moscow time.