太阳平静活跃期影响人的寿命

In an unusual study, Norwegian scientists claim people born during periods of solar calm may live around five years longer than those born when the sun is feisty. 

挪威科学家进行的一项与众不同的研究称：出生于太阳平静期的人的寿命可能比出生于太阳活跃期的人长五年左右。 

They argue peak solar activity brings higher levels of ultraviolet radiation to Earth, which may increase infant mortality by degrading folic acid, or vitamin B9. 

Both of these are key to rapid cell division and growth that happens during pregnancy. 

The bizarre conclusion was reached when the team overlaid demographic data of Norwegians born between 1676 and 1878 with observations of solar activity. 

The lifespan of those born in periods of solar maximum - interludes marked by powerful solar flares - was '5.2 years shorter' on average than those born during a solar minimum, they found. 

'Solar activity at birth decreased the probability of survival to adulthood,' thus truncating average lifespan, according to the paper published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 

There was a stronger effect on girls than boys, the study claims. 

Solar maxima are marked by an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections that can disrupt radio communications and electrical power on Earth, damage satellites and disturb navigational equipment.