The Relationship between Geomagnetic Disturbances and Multiple Sclerosis at the Edge of the Auroral Zone

For decades, researchers have sought to understand the relationship between geographic latitude and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The key was to find factors associated with latitude that could affect human health. The theses of relationships between ultra-violet radiation and/or vitamin Dexposure to MS have been explored but results have not been conclusive.

Another line of investigation has been the relationship of geomagnetic latitude and MS. Geomagnetic latitude is analogous to geographic latitude with orientations to the magnetic north and south poles instead of the geographic poles. In the 1960s, Barlow suggested that the prevalence of MS was more closely related to geomagnetic latitude than geographic. The influence of the sun also varies with latitude. Solar flares produce a variety of influences on the earth, such as geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs). GMDs are magnetic field oscillations in our environment caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field. Read more>>>>>>>>>>>