Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. solar
    • ex. This device collects solar energy and turns it into electricity.
  2. stunning
    • ex. The view from the top of the mountain was stunning.
  3. a sighting
    • ex. Some people have reported sightings of an endangered animal on the island.
  4. a snap
    • ex. People on social media love posting snaps of their trips.
  5. disrupt
    • ex. The noisy student disrupted the teacher’s lecture.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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A strong solar storm that hit Earth on May 10 and 11 produced stunning colorful auroras or northern lights across several countries. Before this, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned the public about a solar activity that reached Earth on May 10. NOAA also warned power plants to take precautions as the solar storm could affect power lines.

Rob Steenburgh, a scientist from NOAA, commented that the aurora is a gift from the space weather. According to reports, there were sightings of the northern lights in the U.K., Czech Republic, Spain, and many other countries. Many people shared snaps of this event on social media. Steenburgh said the best aurora views may come from phone cameras.

Although the colorful display of lights seems harmless, Shawn Dahl from NOAA told reporters that a solar storm could affect high-voltage power lines. It could also affect satellites, which could disrupt GPS and communication systems. For instance, a solar storm in 2003 caused power outages in Sweden and South Africa.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Aurora

  • According to reports, there were sightings of the northern lights in the U.K., Czech Republic, Spain, and many other countries. Would you like to see an aurora in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think many people shared snaps of the auroras on social media? Discuss.
  • Rob Steenburgh, a scientist from NOAA, commented that the aurora is a gift from the space weather. Do you agree with him? Discuss.

NOAA and the Effects of a Solar Storm

  • The NOAA is the U.S. government agency in charge of monitoring the weather and conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. What is its equivalent in your country? Discuss.
  • NOAA warned that a solar storm could affect power lines. Personally, do you care about warnings like this? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Imagine that your country's weather agency warned about a solar storm. What would you do to prepare? Discuss.