Solar activity intensifies after long period of calm

New photographs taken by space telescopes show activity on the surface of the sun has intensified in recent weeks.

Scientists say solar flares and regions of powerful magnetic fields known as sun-spots have increased markedly after a period of the lowest activity for almost a century.

Intense solar activity can overpower Earth's own protective magnetic field, causing serious disruption to communications systems and power grids -- and the scientists say the current surge could peak about the time of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Science has yet to fully explain these fluctuations on the sun, but the astronomer and author Heather Couper says they can have powerful repercussions on Earth.

First broadcast 3 February 2010