Dr Ian Griffin: astronomer and Otago University director on the sun hitting peak solar energy

Experts have warned of the 'dangerous' consequences that come with the sun reaching peak solar energy. NASA claimed this increases the possibility of geomagnetic storms, blackouts and global communication disruptions. Astronomer and Otago University director Dr Ian Griffin says this means more solar storms are likely to occur, which increases the odds of seeing auroras - but there's a downside. "So when the sun is at its maximum, where we see lots of spots on the sun, we tend to see lots of activity and lots of auroras. And sometimes we get these enormous storms that can impact on the power grid and do strange things to satellites in orbit." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.