The Science Behind VBRA
VBRA tracks three categories of external factors with documented effects on human wellbeing. Every factor we monitor has peer-reviewed research behind it — no astrology, no speculation.
Solar & Geomagnetic Activity
Moderate EvidenceGeomagnetic storms triggered by solar flares correlate with disrupted sleep, mood shifts, and cardiovascular stress. VBRA monitors real-time Kp index and solar flare alerts.
Weather & Atmospheric Pressure
High EvidenceBarometric pressure changes, temperature extremes, and precipitation patterns have well-documented effects on mood, pain sensitivity, and cognitive performance.
Lunar Cycles
Low EvidenceFull moon phases correlate with reduced deep sleep duration — primarily through nighttime light exposure. VBRA uses lunar data as contextual sleep context.
Evidence at a Glance
How each factor stacks up across effect type, evidence strength, and key sources.
| Factor | Effect | Evidence | Key Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar & Geomagnetic | Sleep disruption, mood shifts, cardiovascular stress | Moderate Evidence | J. Atmos. Solar-Terr. Phys. (2023); BMC Public Health (2023) |
| Weather & Pressure | Mood, pain sensitivity, cognitive performance, SAD | High Evidence | EHP (2023); Depress. Res. Treat. (2015); J. Psychiatry Neurosci. (2007) |
| Lunar Cycles | Reduced deep sleep near full moon | Low Evidence | Science Advances (2021); Psychol. Bull. (1985) |
Solar & Geomagnetic
Moderate EvidenceSleep disruption, mood shifts, cardiovascular stress
J. Atmos. Solar-Terr. Phys. (2023); BMC Public Health (2023)
Weather & Pressure
High EvidenceMood, pain sensitivity, cognitive performance, SAD
EHP (2023); Depress. Res. Treat. (2015); J. Psychiatry Neurosci. (2007)
Lunar Cycles
Low EvidenceReduced deep sleep near full moon
Science Advances (2021); Psychol. Bull. (1985)
Our Approach
VBRA only tracks factors with peer-reviewed evidence of effects on human physiology or psychology. We distinguish between correlation and causation, and we label evidence strength honestly — High, Moderate, or Low — based on the quality and consistency of available research.
We do not track planetary positions, mercury retrograde, or other astrological factors. Our algorithms are built on geophysical data (Kp index, barometric pressure, precipitation forecasts, lunar illumination) — not interpretive frameworks.
See the science in action.
VBRA connects these factors to your daily check-ins — so you can see what actually affects you.