Disturbing Sun

"Disturbing Sun" by Robert S. Richardson is a science fiction story published during the late 1950s. The narrative takes the form of an interview with Dr. I. M. Niemand, a fictional scientist who explores the mysterious relationship between solar phenomena, specifically sunspots and 'S-Regions,' and their impact on human behavior. The book delves into the idea that these solar activities might be responsible for periods of human unrest and mental disturbances throughout history. The plot unfolds as Dr. Niemand shares his experiences treating patients who exhibit sudden bouts of depression and rage, correlating their episodes with solar activity. As he investigates, he establishes a connection between the timing of these episodes and the solar cycle. With the help of fellow scientist Dr. Max Hillyard and astrophysicist Henry Middletown, they uncover that the disturbances on Earth experienced by individuals are influenced by invisible energy emissions from these S-Regions, suggesting that external forces, rather than internal human nature, are to blame for bouts of violence and mental unrest. The book challenges readers to ponder the origins of human evil and whether they are ultimately products of their environment or their intrinsic nature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Shirley Richardson was an American astronomer, born in Kokomo, Indiana. He also published science fiction using the pseudonym Philip Latham.