Geomagnetic field in Funchal

A solar flare is a brief, explosive event in the Sun’s atmosphere that releases energy. This results in a sudden increase in brightness across certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

An aurora, also commonly known as the northern lights, is a bright natural light display in the upper layers of the atmosphere that occurs when the Earth's magnetosphere interacts with charged particles from the solar wind.

The most powerful geomagnetic storm in recorded history occurred in 1859. From August 28 to September 2, a series of solar flares led to a storm between September 1 and 2 that knocked out entire telegraph systems in Europe and North America. During this event, the Northern Lights were even observed over the Caribbean.

Many studies on the effects of magnetic storms on human health simply compare medical statistics with recorded solar flares and magnetic storms. However, this correlation doesn’t prove a direct connection — it doesn’t explain the possible mechanism by which changes in the Earth's magnetic field could affect our well-being. In other words, the question is still open to debate.

The Earth’s magnetic field constantly resists the solar wind. However, powerful solar flares sometimes occur, and a stream of coronal mass hits the magnetosphere with increased force and speed, causing it to compress under pressure. This creates additional stress in the planet's magnetic field and intensifies electrical currents. This is how magnetic storms form.