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The lunar cycle, sunspots and the frequency of births in Germany, 1920–1989

Author

Listed:
  • Bauer, Thomas K.
  • Bender, Stefan
  • Heining, Jörg
  • Schmidt, Christoph M.

Abstract

Based on multivariate linear regression models, we analyze the effect of the lunar cycle and the number of sunspots occurring on a particular day on the number of births using social security data and controlling for a number of other potential confounders. The daily numbers of births between 1920 and 1989 have been calculated from the full sample of individuals who have been registered at least once in the German social security system. While the lunar cycle does not affect the number of births, the number of sunspots is positively correlated to the number of births. The empirical results may be explained by medical technological progress making natural influences on births less important over time. This interpretation is supported by the results on the intertemporal influence of weekends and holidays on the frequency of daily births.

Suggested Citation

  • Bauer, Thomas K. & Bender, Stefan & Heining, Jörg & Schmidt, Christoph M., 2013. "The lunar cycle, sunspots and the frequency of births in Germany, 1920–1989," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 545-550.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:11:y:2013:i:4:p:545-550
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2012.11.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Mireille Jacobson & Maria Kogelnik & Heather Royer, 2021. "Holiday, Just One Day out of Life: Birth Timing and Postnatal Outcomes," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(S2), pages 651-702.
    2. Almond, Douglas & Chee, Christine Pal & Sviatschi, Maria Micaela & Zhong, Nan, 2015. "Auspicious birth dates among Chinese in California," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 153-159.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Daily frequency of births; Lunar cycle; Sunspots;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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