Solar eruption to put on spectacular light show

If you look at the skies over Britain later you may see a spectacular aurora that could occur due to a huge series of eruptions on the surface of the Sun.

The solar eruptions were first detected by scientists at the weekend. Billions of tonnes of gas were ejected into space after an explosion on the Sun's surface.

If the giant ball of gas collides with the Earth's magnetic field, as scientists are predicting, an intense geomagnetic storm will be produced.

That could produce aurorae as far south as the UK. But it could also interfere with satellites, disrupt radio communications and cause surges in power grids.

Usually only regions closer to the Arctic can see the aurora of rippling reds and greens, but solar storms pull them south.