Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

World Service,16 May 2024,31 mins

Aurora Bore-WOW-lis

Science In Action

Available for over a year

They were the best northern and southern lights in decades, but why? And what’s next? We hear from astrophysicist Steph Yardley about the solar maximum, geomagnetic storms and atmospheric spectaculars. Also, the impossible heatwave in the Philippines made possible by global warming – the analysis of a continent-spanning climate extreme by the World Weather Attribution collaboration. Getting close up to raging tornadoes in order to fill in the big gaps that remain in the science of their development. And the tale of the lizard’s tail, and how it could lead to safer buildings in the future. (Photo: The aurora borealis, also known as the 'northern lights’, are seen over The Roaches near Leek, Staffordshire, Britain, May 10, 2024. Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters) Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Jonathan Blackwell

Programme Website
More episodes