Is Solar wind harmful to Humans? Find out the Truth

Introduction 

Is Solar wind harmful to humans? Can solar wind really kill us? Yes, but it does so indirectly. In this blog, we will explore the impacts of solar wind on humans. 

Before entering the blog, take a moment and check into the concept of Magneto-dielectricity, as this is the base of this blog.

Brief outline of the Influencer: Solar wind

The Solar wind is the Sun’s magnetic field that continuously strikes the Earth and other planets. Whereas, the Earth’s magnetic field (Geomagnetic field/ Magnetic bubble) protects the Earth and its inhabitants from this striking solar wind.

How does the Influencer – Solar wind influence the Earth and Humans?

The Solar wind’s intensity varies throughout the solar cycle. Whenever the solar wind intensifies, it strikes the Geomagnetic field with greater force, causing a disturbance in the geomagnetic field called a Geomagnetic storm/ Magnetic storm, which in turn disturbs our magnetic field.

Simply put, since Earth and humans are solar dependent, any change in the intensity of the solar wind causes a change in the geomagnetic field and human magnetic field. If you wanna know more about the influence of Solar wind on Earth, you can refer here.

Now that we know how solar wind affects our Earth, let’s look at its impact on us. Remember, as we are the residents on Earth, any change caused on Earth and its magnetic field will affect us.

All are acceptable. But have you thought about how our body detects the change in the geomagnetic field?

Earthy connection

We have specialized neurons- Mechanoreceptors, that detect changes in Earth’s magnetic field and signal our body to modify its functions which help us adapt to environmental changes – SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

So, a change in Earth’s magnetic field will cause a change in our magnetic field, by altering our body’s electrical signals.  

Impacts of the Influencer – Solar Wind on Humans 

Since the heart and brain highly rely on electrical conduction, they are the most affected organs than other organs.

HEART IN DANGER ZONE: We know the Heart is a vital organ that pumps vital substances – blood and hormones with its every beat. It’s also important to note that each heartbeat is initiated by an electrical signal which means our heart highly relies on electrical signals to function properly.

So, when the solar magnetic field intensifies, it alters the electrical signal of the heart. It is proven that a sudden magnetic storm causes cardiovascular dis-eases like irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and high blood pressure and also alters the blood flow.

BRAIN UNDER TROUBLE: Everyone knows our Brain, the master controller, profoundly relies on electrical signals. 

Research shows that a sudden magnetic storm causes depression, mental disorders, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, homicide, accidents, stroke and seizures. 

What are the other organs affected by magnetic storms other than the heart and brain? 

Research says that an unexpected magnetic storm alters melatonin levels which in turn affects our sleep and reproductive health. It also affects the functions of the lungs, immune system and skin and also worsens existing dis-eases.

Summary 

Everything in the universe is all about the SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. How? 

Earth with its magnetic bubble constantly protects itself from the solar wind. Without its magnetic bubble, Earth wouldn’t exist. Similarly, we humans also protect ourselves with our biomagnetic field and without it life on Earth wouldn’t be possible – SURVIVAL.

To survive better we need to adapt to the changes. When the solar wind intensity changes, Earth’s magnetic field intensity also changes to ensure its survival. Similarly, our biomagnetic field intensity changes to help us survive on Earth -ADAPTATION. 

However, a sudden change in solar wind intensity feels unexpected and it hits the geomagnetic field so hard, causing a magnetic storm. This sudden variation in the geomagnetic field also alters our magnetic field, leading to brain, heart and lung diseases. It also alters the functions of endocrine glands, skin and immune system and exacerbates the existing dis-ease.

So, a sudden change in solar wind intensity can lead to death by causing dis-eases. At least while sleeping we need to protect ourselves from this influencer: Solar wind, learn which sleeping direction provides the most protection from this Solar wind.

Tips

Will Solar flares kill us? Probably

When the solar wind intensifies, it not only affects our magnetic field but also affects the man-made electromagnetic field, which means it impacts electronic devices as well.

1: Don’t keep electronic devices near you, especially while sleeping.

2: Avoid keeping electronic devices in your shirt or pant pockets.

3: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the internet before heading to bed.

Reference 

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3. January 04, 2024, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Solar wind, Diane K. Fisher, Nancy J. Leon, https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/nmp/st5/SCIENCE/solarwind.html 

4. January 04, 2024, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, How magnetic storms form, Diane K. Fisher, Nancy J. Leon, https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/nmp/st5/SCIENCE/disturbances.html   

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9. National Ocean Service. The Coriolis Effect. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_currents/04currents1.html 

10. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Global Atmospheric Circulations. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/global/global-atmospheric-circulations#:~:text=Polar%20cell%20%E2%80%93%20At%20higher%20latitudes,pressure%20called%20the%20polar%20highs.  

11. Alabdulgader, A., McCraty, R., Atkinson, M., Dobyns, Y., Vainoras, A., Ragulskis, M., & Stolc, V. (2018). Long-Term Study of Heart Rate Variability Responses to Changes in the Solar and Geomagnetic Environment. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-20932-x 

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