Solar quiet persists on the Sun: anticipating events at the start of the upcoming week
In the realm of space weather, the subsiding of a prolonged geomagnetic storm brings a sense of relief and an opportunity to adapt to the new conditions. The recent eight-day-long geomagnetic storm that affected Earth has now subsided, marking the end of this turbulent period.
The end of geomagnetic storms primarily occurs due to the gradual decay of the ring current in Earth's magnetosphere. This happens after the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) shifts from a southward to northward orientation relative to Earth’s magnetic field, reducing the energy input from the solar wind. The ring current, composed of charged particles trapped around Earth, loses energy through processes such as charge exchange with neutral atoms and cyclotron instability, which causes particles to scatter and eventually be lost into the atmosphere. This recovery phase typically lasts 2 to 3 days before geomagnetic conditions return to quiet.
As we transition into a period of reduced geomagnetic activity, it is essential to understand the current solar situation. As of mid-2025, the Sun is in its solar maximum phase of the 11-year activity cycle, characterized by increased frequency and intensity of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The most powerful recent flare detected was an X9 flare in October 2024. CMEs can be deflected and altered by fast solar wind streams emanating from coronal holes, influencing the severity and direction of geomagnetic storms that reach Earth.
Observations also show unusual cooling in Earth’s upper atmosphere (thermosphere) following strong storms, revealing complex atmospheric responses to solar activity.
During a magnetic lull—a period of reduced geomagnetic activity—individuals are advised to slow down, recalibrate physically and mentally. Maintaining a balanced diet and hydration is advised, as is grounding oneself physically by walking barefoot on natural surfaces. Spending time in natural sunlight to maintain circadian rhythms and resting or napping to recover energy are also recommended practices.
These practices align with recommendations from solar observers encouraging calmness and self-care as the solar and geomagnetic environment stabilizes after stormy periods. Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is also important during a magnetic lull.
Meteorosensitive individuals and those with cardiovascular issues may experience brief health changes during a magnetic lull. It is recommended to consult a doctor if one's condition worsens during this period.
In summary, the end of geomagnetic storms is a result of the ring current decaying in Earth's magnetosphere, following the IMF's shift from a southward to northward orientation. The current solar situation is characterized by increased frequency and intensity of solar flares and CMEs. During a magnetic lull, individuals are advised to slow down, hydrate, ground physically, get natural light, rest, and ensure adequate sleep to support their body's natural recalibration. Consulting a doctor if one's condition worsens is also recommended during a magnetic lull.
The recovery phase after the subsided geomagnetic storm offers an opportunity for health-and-wellness practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, hydration, grounding oneself, spending time in natural sunlight, and resting or napping. This aligns with the advice given by solar observers during a period of reduced space-and-astronomy activity, known as a magnetic lull.
