Sunspot Dynamics Are Reflected in Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Abstract

Periodic episodes of increased sunspot activity (solar electromagnetic storms) occur with 10-11 and 5-6 year periodicities and may be associated with measurable biological events. We investigated whether this sunspot periodicity characterized the incidence of Pap smear-determined cervical epithelial histopathologies and human physiologic functions. From January 1983 through December 2003, monthly averages were obtained for solar flux and sunspot numbers; six infectious, premalignant and malignant changes in the cervical epithelium from 1,182,421 consecutive, serially independent, screening Pap smears (5989@N, 4829@E); and six human physiologic functions of a healthy man (oral temperature, pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiration, and peak expiratory flow), which were measured *5 times daily during *34,500 self-measurement sessions (44856@N, 9388@W). After determining that sunspot numbers and solar flux, which were not annually rhythmic, occurred with a prominent 10-year and a less-prominent 5.75-year periodicity during this 21-year study span, each biological data set was analyzed with the same curve-fitting procedures. All six annually rhythmic Pap smear-detected infectious, premalignant and malignant cervical epithelial pathologies showed strong 10-year and weaker 5.75-year cycles, as did all six self-measured, annually rhythmic, physiologic functions. The phases (maxima) for the six histopathologic findings and five of six physiologic measurements were very near, or within, the first two quarters following the 10-year solar maxima. These findings add to the growing evidence that solar magnetic storm periodicities are mirrored by cyclic phase-locked rhythms of similar period length or lengths in human physiology and pathophysiology.

Long-term association between the intensity of cosmic rays and mortality rates in the city of Sao Paulo

“…In contradiction to some studies that have described the association of high solar activity and human health in the literature (Palmer et al 2006, Hrushesky et al 2011, we observe no positive correlation between sunspot and mortality rates in our study. The cyclical and dynamic interaction of space-weather components driven by solar activity can affect human health and behavior, possibly by inducing unexpected episodes of higher oxidative stress, to which humans have to constantly adapt to live on Earth.…”

Himalayan glaciers experienced significant mass loss during later phases of little ice age

“…4 highlights this phase of rising regional temperatures, and the start of the strong solar cycles that in later years (Since the 1970s), started showing substantial coupling with strong El Niño episodes. Figure 3a and d also shows mass balance periodicities of 9–12 years during ~1970–1990, a representation of the response to a few of the strongest consecutive solar cycles in past 400 years 53 . In fact, we see that ~50% of the years since 1970 experienced an exceptionally high TSI of >1361 Wm −2 , ~40% of which also underwent warm phases of ENSO.…”

Are stress responses to geomagnetic storms mediated by the cryptochrome compass system?

“…Correlations have also been reported between solar cycles and longevity [34], although such findings remain equivocal [35]. A further series of studies have revealed associations between the solar cycle and flu pandemics [36], and a similar relationship was recently reported with papillomavirus infections [37]. Relationships have also been observed between GMA and sudden infant death syndrome [38] and epilepsy [39].…”