Having a storm

  • January 25, 2012 | Nicola

    I hoped I’d get a glimpse of the aurora borealis when I visited Finland… No such luck! But it looks like I might get a chance here in the UK.

    On Monday morning astronomers measured the strongest solar storm since 2005.

    The effects are likely to be felt throughout today, including the chance to see auroras further south than usual. These events can also interfere with technology including satellites, communication systems and power grids, and pose a risk to astronauts.

    Adults – join us at Science Museum Lates tonight to probe the science of exploring space!

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Image of aurora borealis

The burst was moving at nearly 2200 km/s when it hit the magnetic field that surrounds Earth.

Image: Flickr/OP_timus Enlarge
 

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