Temperatures are set to soar in the UK amidst a powerful solar flare which has already caused a northern lights show across the country, with NASA releasing a timelapse of the phenomenon
NASA has released an incredible timelapse showing what’s been billed as the biggest solar flare in 11 years.
Super sped-up footage of the flare was shared by the organisation this week as Brits are set to see lasts of heat as a result. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, meaning colossal solar “burps” could send UV levels here on earth hitting highs.
The amazing footage captured by temperatures spike in the coming days scientists show a flash of light erupting from the star’s surface amidst solar streams as it reaches a peak around four and a half years into its current cycle. The organisation explains: “The Sun’s activity waxes and wanes over an 11-year period known as the solar cycle. Solar cycle 25 began in December 2019 and is now approaching solar maximum — a period when eruptions like this one become more common.”
Weather experts are warning of bnorthern lights spectaclein the coming days, with the mercury potentially hitting 31C in the UK. Brits are also being warned to cream up with SPF amidst a burst in skin-damaging UV levels.
Sky weather presenter Kirsty McCabe advised vigilant sun protection, saying: “Solar flares boost UV levels. Watch out in the sunshine.” Already, solar flare activity over the weekend prompted the highest spring UV levels for years, with fair-skinned Brits recommended to avoid direct sunlight if not using sunscreen as ratings skyrocketed to a “very high” level 7.
The burst in flares was also responsible for last weekend’s northern lights spectacle across the UK, with the extra-strong solar activity resulting in an incredible show which was visible from the Highlands down to the south coast.
And according to the Met Office, the greatest show on earth could return again this week. The service said there was a slight chance that solar storms could be observed this week.
It added: “Mainly background aurora conditions are expected, however there remains a slight chance of glancing Coronal Mass Ejection impacts overnight on 17 May into 18 May. These may bring some limited enhancement to the aurora, with the slight potential of allowing for some visibility as far south as northern Scotland or similar latitudes.”