Could the sun’s activity at the time of your birth influence how long you live?
A groundbreaking study examining Norwegian population records over two centuries suggests that solar activity during birth may be linked to shorter lifespans and higher infant mortality rates.
The findings challenge what we know about environmental influences on human longevity and raise new concerns about prenatal exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
A Stunning Discovery Hidden in Historical Records
Researchers found that people born during periods of high solar activity—when sunspots and UV radiation peak—had a lower probability of surviving into adulthood compared to those born during low solar activity years.
On average, the lifespan of individuals born in these solar maximum periods was about 5.2 years shorter than those born in solar minimum periods.
This discovery, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, was led by Gine Roll Skjaervoe, a biologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
She meticulously analyzed 9,062 individuals born between 1676 and 1878, using detailed demographic data collected from church records.
Her goal? To determine whether solar activity at birth affected survival rates, fertility, and long-term reproductive success across generations.
The Link Between the Sun, Pregnancy, and Lifespan
The explanation for this unexpected connection may lie in folate degradation caused by UV radiation.
Folate, a crucial vitamin for fetal development, is highly sensitive to sunlight.
Low folate levels during pregnancy have been linked to higher child mortality rates, birth defects, and long-term health complications.
Since solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with eight years of relatively low activity followed by three years of heightened UV exposure, those born during solar maximums were exposed to significantly higher UV radiation.
According to the researchers, this exposure likely affected prenatal development and early-life health, contributing to shorter lifespans and increased infant mortality.
The Contradictory Perspective
However, not all experts are convinced by this theory.
Dr. Helen Mason, a solar physics researcher at Cambridge University, argues that the impact of solar activity should not be limited to the birth period alone.
She points out that solar cycles repeat every 11 years, meaning people are exposed to fluctuating UV radiation throughout their lives.
She also highlights a key counterpoint: when the Sun is more active, stronger solar winds shield Earth from cosmic rays—potentially reducing some harmful environmental effects.
This raises the question: could there be other mechanisms at play beyond just prenatal exposure?
Should Pregnant Women Worry About Sun Exposure?
Despite the debate, the study’s lead author, Gine Roll Skjaervoe, advises that pregnant women should avoid excessive sun exposure.
While the study was based on historical records, modern concerns about UV exposure and its effects on prenatal health align with existing medical recommendations.
Mark Lucock, a nutritional geneticist at the University of Newcastle, called the study “a fascinating piece of work that provides further supporting evidence that early-life environmental factors shape human traits with long-term consequences.”
What Does This Mean for You?
While this research provides compelling evidence for a solar-lifespan link, more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind it.
Could UV radiation at birth leave a lasting imprint on genetic expression and disease susceptibility?
Does this effect vary across geographic regions, where sunlight exposure differs dramatically?
One thing is clear: the environment at birth may play a bigger role in our long-term health than we ever imagined.
Final Thoughts
This study adds a new dimension to the age-old question of nature versus nurture.
While genetics play a key role in longevity, external factors—perhaps even as distant as the Sun—might be influencing human health in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
So, next time you check your horoscope, maybe consider another celestial factor: was the Sun particularly active when you were born?
It might just be shaping your future in ways beyond astrology.
SOURCE: EurekAlert, The Telegraph
