National Astronomy Meeting: Tuesday

How much of a threat are solar storms to electricity grids?
02 July 2013
Presented by Dominic Ford

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I find out how the British Geological Survey is investigating the threat that solar storms pose to the world's electricity grids. David Southwood, President of the RAS, tells me that astronomy is about much more than just understanding the Universe: it also has a huge economical impact. And, how is the Dark Energy Survey pinning down the make up of the Universe?

In this episode

The Northern Lights (aurora borealis)

01:16 - Solar storms that can cause blackouts

A new survey is monitoring how solar storms trigger unusual electric fields on Earth, to help understand how to protect the National Grid.

Solar storms that can cause blackouts
with Gemma Kelly, British Geological Survey

Transcript to follow.

07:54 - Beyond the Stars

David Southwood tells me why astronomy is about much more than understanding the Universe: it also has a tremendous economic impact

Beyond the Stars
with David Southwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society

Transcript to follow.

Remnants of Kepler's Supernova - This image has been constructed of images from NASA's Spitzer space telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory.

15:27 - Surveying the sky for supernovae

The Dark Energy Survey has found 200 candidate supernovae at great distances, providing a test for dark energy.

Surveying the sky for supernovae
with Chris D'Andrea, University of Portsmouth

Transcript to follow.

Artist's impression of the structure of a red giant.

23:19 - Could red dwarf stars support life?

Until now, it was thought red dwarf stars could host habitable planets. But are their solar winds too strong?

Could red dwarf stars support life?
with Aline Vidotto, University of St Andrews

Transcript to follow.

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