light as we go

Solar storms The sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles (“solar wind”) in all directions. The wind blows radially away from the sun, its speed and density are highly variable, and it contains a magnetic field that is also highly variable in magnitude and direction. When the sun is relatively calm, the only manifestation of solar wind may be the auroras (Northern or Southern Lights), caused by the excitation of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen by the wind’s energetic electrons (Lenz, 2004). A geomagnetic storm, or solar storm, is caused by a solar wind shock wave that strikes Earth's magnetic field, resulting in a worldwide temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere, distinct from regular diurnal variations. This only occurs if the shock wave travels in a direction toward Earth. During a geomagnetic storm, “portions of the solar wind's energy are transferred to the magnetosphere, causing Earth's magnetic field to change rapidly in directi...

Introduction In my work I noticed that lunar and seasonal factors were associated with demand for appointments, symptoms and symptom intensity reported across meetings, and relapse. In order to investigate the effects of lunar and seasonal factors on psychological distress, in 2011 I did a study of this subject using the dates of 43,645 suicides in England and Wales from 2001 to 2010. Due to other work demands I never finished preparing the study for publication. I have posted extracts from a draft write-up below, as I think the results are of potential interest to others. The results are consistent with what I had noticed in my work and I often referred to these results in order to help people understand and better manage their difficulties associated with these natural environment stressors. Stress The concept of homeostasis is central to the idea of stress. Most biochemical processes in biology strive to maintain equilibrium, which is more of an ideal steady sta...