Theta and alpha brain wave alterations and solar weather: a correlational and experimental analysis

Abstract

This thesis, "Examining the Impact of Simulated and Natural Solar Weather on Cerebral Dynamics: An Electroencephalographic Analysis," investigates the influence of geomagnetic activity on human brain function using electroencephalography (EEG). The research aims to fill certain gaps in understanding the effects of geomagnetic fields on human cognitive processes and brain dynamics. The study is structured in two main experimental phases. The first phase examines the relationship between natural geomagnetic disturbances and alpha and theta brain wave activity. Using a sample of 238 subjects, the study correlates EEG data with the Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, recorded 20 days prior to EEG measurements. Results indicate significant correlations between elevated geomagnetic activity and changes in alpha and theta wave patterns, suggesting a potential intrinsic responsiveness of the human brain to solar activity. The second phase involves a controlled experiment where subjects are exposed to simulated geomagnetic storms. This phase aims to replicate and extend the findings of the first phase by directly manipulating geomagnetic conditions in a laboratory setting. The study details the experimental design, EEG data collection, and statistical analysis methods used to isolate the effects of simulated geomagnetic disturbances on brain activity. Preliminary results support the hypothesis that geomagnetic storms influence alpha and theta oscillations, reinforcing the findings from natural observation. Overall, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how solar weather impacts human cerebral dynamics, with implications for both cognitive neuroscience and space weather research. The findings suggest that geomagnetic activity could play a previously underappreciated role in modulating brain function, highlighting the need for further research in this interdisciplinary field.