Global warming has finally been explained: the Earth is getting hotter because the Sun is burning more brightly than at any time during the past 1,000 years, according to new research.

Scientists have simulated a solar flare in the lab, recreating the super-heated cloud of electrically-charged gas seen on the Sun known as a plasma. It was part of an initiative to develop fusion power - the nuclear energy that keeps the Sun shining.

New research shows that the sun is more active now than it has been for over 1100 years. The increase in solar activity will have an impact on satellites, energy grids, and the current debate over global warming.

Earth's first line of defense against massive communication failures is expected to go offline this week, raising the very real possibility that should a giant solar flare occur, the disruptions of media broadcasts as well as consumer and military communications dependent on satellites could rise sharply.

Military and civilian researchers are paying increased attention to turbulence in Earth's ionosphere, which can weaken navigation, intelligence, and other signals until they vanish under useless noise. While solar storms can aggravate these effects, they can appear almost daily with or without a major solar eruption.

The first space satellites to fly in formation are ready to investigate the violent space weather which can threaten satellites, astronauts and even power grids on the Earth's surface.

With the help of the new SOHO satellite, scientists are able to observe solar storms brewing before they hit.

Scientists warn that the world'ls power grids and satellites could experience major disruptions over the next three years due to intense solar activity.

Colossal solar storms which can destroy communication satellites and knock out power grids on Earth may be predictable.