Space weather and human deaths distribution: 25 years’ observation (Lithuania, 1989–2013)

Abstract

AbstractHuman health is affected by space weather component [solar (SA), geomagnetic (GMA), cosmic ray (CRA) – neutrons, space proton flux] activity levels. The aim of this study was to check possible links between timing of human (both genders) monthly deaths distribution and space weather activity.Human deaths distribution in the Republic of Lithuania from 1989 to 2013 (25 years, i.e., 300 consecutive months) was studied, which included 1,050,503 deaths (549,764 male, 500,739 female). Pearson correlation coefficients (Space factors were interrelated as follows for the considered period: CRA was inversely related to SA and GMA, CRA/SA (Most groups of deaths are related to space weather component activity. Extreme levels of activities of both groups (SA, GMA, and opposite CRA – neutron) are related to some health risks. In the considered period, there were relatively few GMA storms and low GMA was dominating, accompanied by higher CRA (neutron) activity. The ways of action of the components of space weather on the human body need additional studies. There is a special need for the prevention of rising cerebral vascular accidents and oncology malignancies as the causes of death.