Abstract

We contribute to academic discourse by examining the influence of solar-driven geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) on homicide rates in the USA and Canada. Despite the substantial discrepancy in homicide rates between the two countries, our analysis uncovers a remarkable synchronicity in homicide trends from 1990 to 2020, demonstrating an 89% correlation. This suggests a shared underlying factor influencing homicidal behavior on both sides of the border. Furthermore, our initial findings reveal a significant correlation between GMD and annual homicide rates in both nations, ranging from 57% to 65%. We present the results of rigorous econometric tests incorporating the Kp index for GMD, highlighting the potential link between GMD and homicides. We also propose a medical pathway to explore the role of the circadian regulatory system, which responds to environmental cues. Additionally, we suggest how our findings, which partially attribute responsibility for homicides to environmental factors, may impact a legal system founded on the premise of free will.