On November 12, a magnetic storm of nearly maximum strength — level G4.66 — began on Earth. Initially, scientists expected a storm of G3–G4 level, but to their surprise, the geomagnetic storm reached almost its peak intensity. The information was reported by swpc.noaa.gov.

Today’s magnetic storm is described by scientists as a “planetary-scale phenomenon.” Three plasma clouds have already approached Earth, although specialists had expected only one.

The cause of the magnetic storm was an X5.1-class solar flare. According to scientists, most of the plasma ejected during the flare has not yet reached Earth.

On November 10, there were as many as 15 solar flares, one of which was of the highest class and was called a “cannibal flare.” Then, on November 11, the most powerful solar flare of this year was recorded.

“This solar flare and the resulting radiation flow were 3–5 times stronger than all other flares this year, and in terms of energy, 10–20 times more powerful than previous ones,” scientists noted.

A magnetic storm affects the operation of precise electronic instruments, primarily navigation equipment. As for its effect on humans, scientists’ opinions differ. Research shows that during magnetic storms, deaths from heart attacks and strokes increase by about 20%, although statistically this is not considered a significant rise.

Most scientists believe that a magnetic storm influences so-called weather-sensitive people — they may experience higher blood pressure, headaches, and worsening of chronic conditions such as allergies. There is also a theory that it affects human heart rhythms: the heart’s rhythm synchronizes with variations in Earth’s geomagnetic field. When the magnetosphere “breathes” rhythmically, everything is fine; but when these variations are disturbed, the body perceives it as stress and, lacking adaptive reserves, reacts with a sharp deterioration in condition and an aggravation of existing diseases.

As for visual effects, magnetic storms typically cause auroras in the extreme northern and southern regions of the Earth.