Learn about the Sun-Earth connection at the Royal Society

From July 2nd to 5th the SUNEARTHPLAN are taking part in the Royal Society's Summer Exhibition with an exhibit called 'Living with a star'. This exhibition showcases the UK's best science and technology under one roof. Our exhibit looks at how the Sun produces the largest eruptions in the Solar System and how these events effect us here on Earth. The eruptions are called coronal mass ejections and they blast high-speed particles and magnetic fields into the Solar System.

Coronal mass ejections can head off in any direction, sometimes toward the Earth. When the coronal mass ejection hits us it first interacts with the Earth's magnetic field and then a series of knock-on effects are seen ranging from the northern lights to disruptions to our communications and electricity grids.

The exhibit looks at how two missions called Hinode and STEREO are trying to understand what causes coronal mass ejections. These missions allow us to make 3D image of the eruptions and follow them all the way to the Earth for the first time. Come along to the Royal Society find out more.

Visit the Summer Science Exhibition website at the Royal Society.