Disturbing Sun

"Disturbing Sun" by Robert S. Richardson is a science fiction tale set in the mid-20th century that presents the transcript of an in-universe interview with Dr. I. M. Niemand, a scientist investigating a potential link between solar activity and human psychology. The story centers on the idea that sunspots and enigmatic 'S-Regions' on the Sun may trigger periods of mental instability and erratic behavior in people. Dr. Niemand recounts his experiences treating patients suffering from inexplicable fits of depression and anger, noting a striking correlation between their episodes and solar cycles. Together with colleagues Dr. Max Hillyard and astrophysicist Henry Middletown, he finds that these disturbing human experiences are tied to invisible energy radiating from those S-Regions, opening up the question of whether external forces, rather than inherent human nature, are the true cause behind incidents of violence and mental anguish. The narrative pushes readers to think deeply about the roots of human evil and whether they are products of outside influence rather than of their own choice.