USA, June 11.- As the phenomenon unfolds, the brain's reward system comes into action through the release of dopamine.
Recent research has determined that observing a solar eclipse goes beyond a simple astronomical event to share with friends or family. For the scientific community, this phenomenon can also be understood as a neurobiological process capable of awakening human curiosity.
Along these lines, various specialists have analyzed the brain processes associated with these types of experiences. José Ángel Morales, a researcher from the Department of Cell Biology and Histology at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, explained the neurological processes in brain circuits during solar eclipses.
"We perceive that there is something relevant that we do not know, and that generates a kind of cognitive tension that we want to resolve," the scientist explained regarding the biological response of individuals, according to Europa Press Infosalus.
This theoretical framework—the agency adds—was originally proposed by psychologist George Loewenstein, supported by subsequent studies on the internal driver of human curiosity.
"We know enough to anticipate it, but its rarity, complexity, and spectacular nature generate uncertainty," the expert pointed out.
When the eclipse begins, the anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula of the brain activate to direct attention toward the unexpected object in the sky.
At that moment, the brain experiences a decrease in activity within the default mode network, a process associated with self-centered thoughts.
This neurobiological variation—which occurs during moments such as this astronomical phenomenon—causes a common sensation of temporary loss of self-identity, in order to focus all attention on the external environment.
As the moon covers the sun, the reward system comes into action through the release of dopamine in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens, a small subcortical brain structure key to the motivation and pleasure circuit.
"Something interesting happens here: the brain responds not only to material rewards, but also to information," Morales asserted regarding the gratifying process of resolving an unknown.
In this phase, the hippocampus, a part of the brain related to memory, collaborates with the dopaminergic system when there are high levels of curiosity.
One clearly remembers where we were when we saw the eclipse; the brain marks that moment as relevant.
The interaction between the autonomic nervous system and the emotional plane also triggers temporary physiological responses, such as chills and goosebumps, in spectators.
Does everyone react the same way?
However, the expert states that not all people experience this fascination with the same intensity. Studies indicate that some people, due to their brain organization, are less prone to these types of experiences, the media outlet adds.
At this point, Morales maintains that, under certain neurological conditions such as depression or Parkinson's disease—where reward sensitivity is often lower—the ability to experience interest or awe may be attenuated.
This could be related to dysfunctions in the reward circuits (striatum) and in emotional integration (nucleus accumbens).
In fact, the researcher notes that individuals with a high need for cognitive closure (a preference for definitive answers and an aversion to ambiguity or the undefined) experience less awe. "An eclipse, with its ephemeral and unpredictable nature, could generate more discomfort than fascination in these people," he adds.
(Text and Photo: Cubasí)
