In the following table the gradual areal decrease of the above-mentioned sunspots was recorded over a period of three months by M. M. Gnevyshev and R. S. Gnevysheva (Mountain Astronomical Station of the Central Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR at Kislovodsk). We have included the data of the corresponding changes in the leukocytic test of solar activity (functional leukopenia and relative lymphocytosis as reported by M. M. Levushkina from "10 let Oktyabrya" sanatorium at Sochi).
The second intense chromospheric flare occurred in August 1956. The Crimean Astrophysical Observatory reported that this was one of the most intense flares in 1956 with respect to its impact on the Earth's ionosphere and magnetic field.
From the laboratory reports at Sochi the leukocytic test of solar activity for the year 1956 reached the highest peak in August.
In the following table the synchronous monthly variations of the solar index and the leukocytic test of solar activity, as recorded by M. M. Le vushkina, are summarized.
As evident from the data summarized in this table and in Figure 7, the leukocytic test of solar activity rose significantly in February and August, after the intense chromospheric flares.
As with any new problem, the effect of solar activity on the human body should be cautiously approached, and examined strictly in its own right so as not to compromise this topical and promising concept.
The large number of works published on this subject by scientists in various fields of research amply demonstrate the significance attached to it; their conclusions compel us to acknowledge the undoubted influence of solar activity on a whole range of physiological and pathological processes. These results call for continuation and expansion of this research by collecting data and producing additional evidence of the manifestations of these phenomena, since the newness of the subject has so far allowed only the recording of several outstanding facts, the formulation of working hypotheses, etc.
It is regrettable that the medieval geocentric notion of the universe that reigned before the time of Copernicus still permeates many scientific principles. We often regard the life processes on Earth as being isolated, limited by the terrestrial boundaries, and linked exclusively to their immediate environment. Thus, we ignore cosmic relationships and the
tremendous influence on the biosphere of the cosmic factors, among which the most influential and powerful, with respect to the essence of life, is the Sun, and particularly solar activity.
This activity is expressed by different indexes. The W index (Wolf number) is mostly used by scientists, and indicates the relative number of sunspots; in the medical field, however, our experience has shown that the S index (designating the area of sunspots) is more convenient and ac currate since the organism is more affected by a small number of sunspots extending over a large area than by a large number of sunspots covering a small area.
Another advantage of the S index is evident from the separate recordings of the sunspot areas in each solar hemisphere. This is very important if we recall that every six months another hemisphere of the Sun is turned toward the Earth. Thus, from 4 June to 8 December the Earth traverses part of its orbit while facing the northern solar hemisphere, and is possibly subjected to the effects of its radiation; from 8 December to 4 June the Earth rotates along its orbit while facing the southern solar hemisphere, and the effect of the latter may prevail for this part of the year. In contrast, the W index is calculated for the entire solar disk. The area of sunspot groups in an 11-year cycle gives rise to a single-peak cycle, in one solar hemisphere, while in the opposite hemisphere a double peaked cycle develops. Thus, the S index reflects the varied and complex character of areal development of the sunspot groups in the solar hemi spheres, whereas these characteristics of the cycle are not taken into account by the W index (A. Ya. Bezrukova).
We must also mention the photospheric index of the area of solar flocculi, which, similar to the sunspots, vary cyclically; their minimum variation coincides with the minimum of sunspot formation.
Another promising path of research in our field is the comparison of certain physiological and pathological processes with variations of the index of intensity of the coronal line A = 6374A, which indicates the maxi mum intensity during the cycle minimum.